A U.S. Navy sailor in dungarees, circa 1963.

Definition

Noun

  • A sailor’s working clothes.

Origin

18th century. From the Hindi word dungri, for a type of Indian cotton cloth.

Comments

Dungarees aren’t worn much anymore since they’ve been replaced by working uniforms, either coveralls or some type of fatigues.

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.