bell-bottoms

plural noun

bell-bot·​toms ˈbel-ˈbä-təmz How to pronounce bell-bottoms (audio)
Synonyms of bell-bottomsnext
: pants with wide flaring bottoms
bell-bottom
ˈbel-ˈbä-təm How to pronounce bell-bottoms (audio)
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.
Pulling inspiration from the groovy ‘70s, the bell-bottom bob flips out for a cute and quirky look. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 1 July 2026 When the brothers came face-to-face, each wearing a vest and medallions and bell-bottoms, the mirror image unnerved them both. — Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026 That girl was Peggy Caserta, the fashion pioneer behind bell-bottom jeans. — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026 The pull-on waistband hits around the belly button, and the slightly wide-leg sweatpant shape feels relaxed without veering into bell-bottom territory. — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026 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

Rhymes for bell-bottoms

See All Rhymes for bell-bottoms

Browse Nearby Words

bell-bottomed
bell-bottoms
bellboy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bell-bottoms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bell-bottoms. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

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