What does jodhpur mean?
Jodhpurs are close-fitting trousers designed originally for riding, extending from the waist to below the knee. They are closely associated with India, especially Rajasthan, where they have long formed part of traditional male clothing and are still commonly seen at weddings, ceremonies, and other formal occasions. Riders value their distinctive cut, which is fitted through the waist and upper legs and provides freedom of movement in the saddle. Today, the term also refers to fashionable trousers modeled on the traditional riding garment. Although “jodhpurs” is the normal plural form, the clothing is usually discussed collectively rather than as separate individual garments. The name comes from Jodhpur, a city and former princely state in Rajasthan whose equestrian traditions helped associate the clothing with the region. The word is recognized in standard British and American English, though in Britain the broader term “riding breeches” may also be encountered.
nounClose-fitting riding breeches extending from the waist to below the knee, traditionally worn by men in India. They are also worn as formal or traditional clothing in Rajasthan and elsewhere.
- A style of close-fitting riding breeches extending below the knee, traditionally worn by men in India and later adopted as traditional or formal wear.
"He wore immaculate jodhpurs with riding boots for the ceremony."
"The cavalry officer adjusted his jodhpurs before mounting his horse."
"At the wedding, the groom changed from a suit into white jodhpurs and a sherwani."
The plural is standard and normally used even when referring to a single pair of trousers.
"He put on a pair of jodhpurs and polished his riding boots."
Named for Jodhpur, the Rajasthan city whose equestrian culture helped make these distinctive riding trousers internationally recognizable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jodhpur come from?
The word was borrowed from Jodhpur, the city in Rajasthan that gives the garment its name. English speakers adopted it for the close-fitting riding breeches traditionally worn in northern India. The related adjective “Jodhpuri” describes things associated with Jodhpur or Rajasthan, including styles of clothing.
How jodhpur is actually used
The word is normally plural: jodhpurs. It is commonly associated with Indian equestrian and ceremonial dress, although the garments are now also worn in many other contexts.
Easily confused with jodhpur
Breeches is a broader term for trousers fastened below the knee, whereas jodhpurs specifically denote the close-fitting riding style associated with India.