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.
But much like those 1970s artifacts, the notion every other suburb needed a colossal shopping mall as its chief drawing card has gone the way of bell-bottoms and the corner Fotomat. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Fortunately, the fashion trend was tight bell-bottom jumpsuits. Mark Seliger, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025 Other trends include low-rise jeans, ballet flats, bell-bottoms and more. Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025 Fortunately, Amazon is brimming with fit-and-flare jeans and dramatic bell-bottoms similar to the pairs Clarkson wore. Emily Weaver, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Bell-bottoms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bell-bottoms. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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
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