What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pajama
Example
I like to wear my pajamas when I'm at home relaxing. [pajamas: noun]
Example
She changed into her pajamas before going to bed. [pajamas: plural noun]
nightclothes
Example
She put on her nightclothes and got into bed. [nightclothes: plural noun]
Example
He prefers to wear loose nightclothes to bed. [nightclothes: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pajama is a more common term than nightclothes in everyday language, especially in American English. However, nightclothes is more formal and can be used in more professional or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pajama and nightclothes?
Nightclothes is a more formal term than pajamas, which is more commonly used in casual or informal contexts. However, both words are generally considered appropriate for use in most situations.
