Meaning & use
cargos
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“cargos” is a form of “cargo”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounpluralinformal
Loose trousers with large pockets on the sides, often worn casually.
Grammar: Used with a plural verb; a single pair is still 'cargos' or 'cargo pants'.
Patterns
- a pair of cargos
- wear cargos
- cargos with pockets
He wore black cargos and a plain T-shirt to the party.
She bought a pair of cargos for the hiking trip.
These cargos have deep side pockets that hold a phone easily.
nounplural
Plural of cargo; loads of goods carried by a ship, plane, or truck.
Grammar: This is the regular plural of 'cargo'; it names multiple loads or types of goods.
Patterns
- cargos of something
- carry cargos
- unload cargos
The port handles cargos of grain and machinery every day.
Two cargos of coffee arrived from Brazil last week.
Pilots must check the weight of their cargos before takeoff.
Word forms
| singular | cargo |
|---|
Common combinations
- a pair of cargos
- He packed a pair of cargos for the weekend.
- wear cargos
- Many students wear cargos to class.
- cargos with pockets
- She likes cargos with pockets on the thighs.
- cargos of goods
- The ship carried three cargos of goods.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cargo pants
- The usual American term for the trousers; 'cargos' is a short informal form.
- combats
- British informal for similar trousers; 'cargos' is more widely understood.
Word family
- cargo noun
- A load of goods carried by a vehicle or ship.
Commonly confused: cargos or cargoes?
cargos vs cargoes
An alternative plural of 'cargo' used in some writing; 'cargos' is also correct and common.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
'Cargos' is plural, so it takes 'are'. 'Is' is singular, and 'am' and 'be' do not agree with a plural noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cargos”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.