Pajamas and pyjamas are both correct spellings. The main difference is regional: pajamas is the standard American English spelling.
While pyjamas is the standard British English spelling. Both refer to the same type of loose clothing worn for sleeping. (Cambridge Dictionary)
So, if you are writing for readers in the United States, pajamas is the better choice. For British English, use pyjamas. The difference is spelling, not meaning.
Pajamas vs Pyjamas: What’s the Difference?
The two words describe the same kind of sleepwear, but they follow different regional spelling conventions.
| Spelling | English variety | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pajamas | American English | Clothing worn for sleeping |
| Pyjamas | British English | Clothing worn for sleeping |
For example:
- American English: I bought a new pair of pajamas.
- British English: I bought a new pair of pyjamas.
Cambridge lists pajamas as the US spelling of pyjamas and defines the word as soft, loose clothing worn in bed. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Neither spelling is a mistake. The best choice depends on the variety of English you are using.
When to Use “Pajamas”
Use pajamas when writing in American English or when your main audience is American.
This spelling is common in US books, websites, product descriptions, advertisements, and everyday conversation.
Examples
- I need to buy a new pair of pajamas.
- My pajamas are still in the washing machine.
- She changed into her pajamas before going to bed.
- The children wore pajamas to the sleepover.
If your website is written primarily for people in the United States, keeping pajamas throughout your content will make your spelling consistent with American usage.
When to Use “Pyjamas”
Use pyjamas when writing in British English or when your audience expects British spelling.
It is the standard British form and appears in British dictionaries and publications.
Examples
- I need a new pair of pyjamas.
- My pyjamas are on the bed.
- She changed into her pyjamas before sleeping.
- The children wore pyjamas to the sleepover.
The spelling may look different, but the meaning remains the same. Cambridge and Collins both identify pyjamas as the British form and pajamas as the American form. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Pajama vs Pyjama: What About the Singular Form?
The spelling difference also appears in the singular form.
American English
- pajama
- pajamas
British English
- pyjama
- pyjamas
The singular forms are especially common when the word is used before another noun:
- pajama top
- pajama party
- pyjama top
- pyjama party
Cambridge lists pyjama as the UK form of pajama and also uses it as an adjective before nouns, such as pyjama top and pyjama bottoms. (Cambridge Dictionary)
So, the difference is consistent:
pajama → American
pyjama → British
Are “Pajamas” and “Pyjamas” Plural Nouns?
Yes. In standard dictionary usage, pajamas and pyjamas are treated as plural nouns. (Cambridge Dictionary)
That is why you normally say:
My pajamas are comfortable.
Not:
My pajamas is comfortable.
The same applies to British English:
My pyjamas are comfortable.
When referring to one complete set, a pair of pajamas or a pair of pyjamas is natural.
Why “a pair of pajamas”?
The expression treats the sleepwear as a coordinated set. You can therefore say:
- a pair of pajamas
- two pairs of pajamas
- a pair of pyjamas
- two pairs of pyjamas
Both Cambridge and Collins give this construction in their dictionary examples. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Pajamas vs Pyjamas in American and British English
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| pajamas | pyjamas |
| pajama top | pyjama top |
| pajama party | pyjama party |
| pajama set | pyjama set |
There can also be vocabulary differences around the clothing itself. For example, British English commonly uses terms such as pyjama bottoms, while American English often uses pajama pants.
The important point is not to force every expression into an identical pattern. Choose the spelling and related vocabulary that naturally fit your intended variety of English.
Why Are There Two Spellings?
English has developed different spelling conventions in different regions. Pajamas became the standard American spelling, while pyjamas remained the standard British spelling.
This is similar to other familiar differences such as:
- color / colour
- favorite / favourite
- center / centre
The difference does not mean that one form is newer, better, or more correct everywhere. It reflects regional English usage.
Where Does the Word “Pajamas” Come From?
The history of the word is particularly interesting.
Pajama entered English through Hindi, from the Persian elements pāy, meaning “leg,” and jāma, meaning “garment.” Collins records this origin and dates the English word to the late 19th century. (Collins Dictionary)
The original word was associated with loose trousers, and its meaning developed into the modern sense of sleepwear and lounging clothing.
So although pajamas is now an everyday English word, its history connects English with languages and clothing traditions from South Asia and Persia.
Pajamas or Pyjamas: Which One Should You Use?
The simplest rule is to match the spelling to your audience.
If you are writing for:
US readers: use pajamas.
UK readers: use pyjamas.
If your website, school assignment, article, or professional document follows a particular style guide, follow that guide consistently.
The most important thing is consistency. If you begin a US-focused article with pajamas, there is usually no reason to switch to pyjamas later unless you are specifically discussing the British spelling.
Common Mistakes With Pajamas and Pyjamas
Saying that one spelling is wrong
❌ Pyjamas is incorrect.
That is not true. It is the standard British spelling.
Treating them as different types of clothing
❌ Pajamas are one type of sleepwear, while pyjamas are another.
The spelling changes, but the basic meaning does not.
Using the wrong verb
❌ My pajamas is clean.
✅ My pajamas are clean.
Mixing regional spellings
Using pajamas in one paragraph and pyjamas in another is usually unnecessary unless the context calls for both.
FAQs
Is “pajamas” or “pyjamas” correct?
Both are correct. Pajamas is the standard American English spelling, while pyjamas is the standard British English spelling. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Is “pajamas” American or British English?
Pajamas is the standard American English spelling. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Is “pyjamas” British or American English?
Pyjamas is the standard British English spelling. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Do pajamas and pyjamas mean the same thing?
Yes. Both refer to clothing worn for sleeping. The difference is primarily the regional spelling. (Cambridge Dictionary)
Should I write “pajamas are” or “pajamas is”?
Use “pajamas are.” Dictionaries treat pajamas as a plural noun. (Cambridge Dictionary)
What is the singular of pajamas?
The American singular form is pajama, while the British form is pyjama.
Why do we say “a pair of pajamas”?
A pair of pajamas refers to one complete set of sleepwear. The same construction is used with British pyjamas. (Cambridge Dictionary)
What is the British spelling of pajamas?
The British spelling is pyjamas.
Conclusion
Pajamas and pyjamas are both correct. The difference is simply regional: pajamas is preferred in American English, while pyjamas is preferred in British English.
If you are writing for a US audience, choose pajamas. If your readers use British English, choose pyjamas. Whichever form you select, keep it consistent throughout your writing.
That simple rule will help you avoid the most common spelling and usage mistakes with this word.
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Hi, I’m Amelia Parker, a grammar enthusiast and writer at GrammarHQ.com. I specialize in explaining spelling differences, confusing words, and common English mistakes through simple, practical, and easy-to-understand guides.
