also: ぶるまー · ぶるーまー · ぶるーまーず · ぶるまーず
noun
bloomers
Refers to the original loose-fitting undergarment or exercise wear from the 19th–early 20th century. In modern Japanese, this sense is mostly historical or used in reference to vintage clothing.
19世紀の女性は運動のときにブルマをはいていた。
Women in the 19th century wore bloomers for exercise.
noun
girls' gym shorts; bloomers
In modern Japanese, ブルマ almost always refers to the tight, dark-blue shorts worn by schoolgirls during physical education class. This usage is distinct from the historical bloomers.
体育の授業でブルマをはく。
I wear gym shorts in PE class.
小学生のとき、ブルマで運動会に出た。
When I was in elementary school, I participated in the sports day in gym shorts.
Rare plural-like spelling; not common in modern usage.
From English 'bloomers', named after Amelia Bloomer, a 19th-century women's rights advocate. The Japanese term shifted to refer specifically to school gym shorts.