bell-bottoms

plural noun

bell-bot·​toms ˈbel-ˈbä-təmz How to pronounce bell-bottoms (audio)
: pants with wide flaring bottoms
bell-bottom adjective

Examples of bell-bottoms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kaufman describes their denim, made in Italy, as having a unique twist seam that gives it a slight bell-bottom effect—a small but impactful design detail. Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 The Eagles, who sold more than a hundred and fifty million albums, rode a tide of surly melancholy and bell-bottom jeans much further than anyone expected, and Henley viewed himself not merely as a celebrity with lawyers on call but as a troubadour in the heroic tradition. Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 Instead of swinging bell-bottoms, the key is to opt for a loose, baggy fit similar to the denim shapes du jour. Emma Spedding, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2024 Dressed in 7-inch neon heels and translucent yellow bell-bottoms, Mary Serritella was defying gravity and expectations on a recent Wednesday night at Hollywood’s Bourbon Room. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bell-bottoms 

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bell-bottoms was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near bell-bottoms

Cite this Entry

“Bell-bottoms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bell-bottoms. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bell-bottoms

plural noun
bell-bot·​toms
ˈbel-ˈbät-əmz
: pants with legs that widen out at the bottom
bell-bottom adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on bell-bottoms

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!