Search Dictionary
Definition of pantalette
pantalette
/ˌpæn.təˈlɛt/
pan · ta · lette
Plural:pantalettes
pantalette Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Archaic
pantalette Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A long, typically frilled or lace-trimmed undergarment covering the legs, worn by women and young girls during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Example
"The little girl's white lace pantalettes peeked out from beneath the hem of her heavy woolen skirt as she ran through the Victorian parlor."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for pantaletteWord Nuance & Usage
This word is almost exclusively encountered in its plural form, 'pantalettes', and is highly restricted in modern English to historical or literary discussions of 19th-century fashion.
• Rhymes for pantalette
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 19th century: from French 'pantalettes', a diminutive of 'pantalon' (trousers), which ultimately derives from the Italian comedic theatrical character Pantalone, who famously wore long trousers.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pantalette. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pantalette