Phrase guide

gym shorts

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A type of relatively lightweight shorts with elastic waistbands designed for use in sports and physical activity, especially gym class. The terms basketball shorts and mesh shorts are used nearly synonymously with gym shorts in the United States, despite their different initial usage.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: plural, plural-only

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

gym (short for gymnastics) + shorts

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: (korte) turnbroek (je) — type of shorts
  • German: Turnhose — type of shorts