Dinner Jacket
/ˈdɪn.ə ˌdʒæk.ɪt/noun
A formal evening jacket, typically worn with matching trousers, equivalent to a tuxedo.
Did you know?The British term “dinner jacket” emerged in the late nineteenth century as evening dress became less restrictive than the traditional tailcoat.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*yeǵ-
“To fast or go without food”
Late Latin
Latin
disieiūnāre
“To break a fast”
11th Century
Old French
disner
“To eat the first meal after fasting”
Middle English
Middle English
dynere
“A midday or principal meal”
14th–15th Century
English
jaket
“A short coat or small jacket, from Old French jaquet”
19th Century
British English
dinner jacket
“A formal evening jacket worn for dinner”
Modern English
English
dinner jacket
“Formal evening wear, especially the British term for a tuxedo”