What’s the plural of “pants”?
Pants (as in the clothing), are only referred to as a plural noun, and has no singular form. Often called ‘a pair of pants,’ pants is a plural noun that’s made up of parts. Some nouns in English that consist of pairs, parts or pieces are only referred to in the plural case. Words and things like glasses, spectacles, pants, jeans, scissors, trousers and tongs are all only used in the plural, and have no singular noun form.
My pants are too short.
I need a new pair of scissors.
My pant is ripped.
These glasses is mine.
What’s the singular of pants?
Technically, you could say ‘the left pant. Most often, pants is plural and uses no singular noun form. This is because pants are made of parts (pant one and pant two), and so are only used in the plural noun form, i.e., pants.
What are word pants in English?
Merriam-Webster defines pants as:
An outer garment covering each leg separately and usually extending from the waist to the ankle: “a pair of pants.”
“pants” is always plural, visualize a pair of pants—you can’t have just one pant.
Other non-singular/plural-only nouns:
Pants is not the only plural-only/non-singular noun:
Examples of pants used in sentences
The following sentences show the correct use of the word plural-only, pants, in context:
1. He stood on his thin, shaking legs in the ludicrous sleeves of his pants, his buckled chest panting in a dishcloth vest. Robert Wilson.
2. These two pairs of pants are made from different materials.
3. Since my husband became sick he’s lost as much as 20 kilograms and his pants are now baggy.
4. You look so handsome in these pants.
5. I need to buy a new pair of pants.
Origin of the word pants
From etymology online on pants (n.):
“trousers, drawers,” 1840, see pantaloons. The word was limited to vulgar and commercial use at first.
What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
Work Sheet
What is the singular form of the word “pants” (referring to the clothing)?
When referring to one item of clothing, how is “pants” typically used?
Which sentence uses the correct verb form with “pants”?
Which word from the list is NOT typically used only in the plural form like “pants”?
According to the post, why is “pants” considered a plural noun?
My _______ are ripped.
These _______ are mine.
I need a new _______ of jeans.
His old _______ are too big now.
She bought some new _______ for the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ‘pants’ a singular or plural noun?
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Does the word ‘pants’ have a singular form?
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How do I refer to one item of clothing ‘pants’?
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Are there other words like ‘pants’ in English?
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How do I use ‘pants’ correctly in a sentence?
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Yash, D. "What’s the Plural of Pants?." Grammarflex, Jun 7, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/whats-the-plural-of-pants/.
Sources
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Definition of pants.
