pajamas

plural noun

pa·​ja·​mas pə-ˈjä-məz How to pronounce pajamas (audio)
-ˈja-
Synonyms of pajamasnext
1
: loose lightweight trousers formerly much worn in the Near East
2
: a loose usually two-piece lightweight suit designed especially for sleeping or lounging

called also pj's

Examples of pajamas 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.
To boot, its line of sleepwear, pajamas, and loungewear will goldilocks a homebody's dream. — Maverick Li, Men's Health, 29 Dec. 2022 Then our pajamas, put on early (for good measure) and inside out (no matter how itchy the seams). — Kate Cray, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2023 Good food, good drink and even some aesthetic loungewear or your comfiest pajamas might be the perfect way to welcome in the new year. — Chicago Tribune, 30 Dec. 2022 In a photo shared to Instagram, Richie wore a set of chic pajamas, surrounded by pink and silver balloons. — Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for pajamas

Word History

Etymology

plural of pajama

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pajamas was in 1801

Phrases Containing pajamas

Rhymes for pajamas

See All Rhymes for pajamas

Browse Nearby Words

pajama party
pajamas
Pajitanian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

pajamas

plural noun
pa·​ja·​mas pə-ˈjäm-əz How to pronounce pajamas (audio)
-ˈjam-
: a loose lightweight usually two-piece garment worn for sleeping or lounging
Etymology

from Hindi pājāma "loose lightweight trousers," from Persian pā "leg" and Persian jāma "garment"

More from Merriam-Webster on pajamas

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pajamas

Nglish: Translation of pajamas for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pajamas

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