linen

[lin-uhn]

noun

1. fabric woven from flax yarns.

2. Often linens. bedding, tablecloths, shirts, etc., made of linen cloth or a more common substitute, as cotton.

3. yarn made of flax fiber.

4. thread made of flax yarns.

adjective

1. made of linen.

   a linen jacket.

linen

/ ˈlɪnɪn /

noun

1. 1. a hard-wearing fabric woven from the spun fibres of flax

   2. ( as modifier )

      a linen tablecloth

2. yarn or thread spun from flax fibre

3. clothes, sheets, tablecloths, etc, made from linen cloth or from a substitute such as cotton

4. See linen paper

Other Word Forms

• lineny adjective
• half-linen adjective
• underlinen noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of linen¹

before 900; Middle English lin ( n ) en (noun, adj.), Old English linnen, līnen (adj.) made of flax, equivalent to līn flax (< Latin līnum; line ² ) + -en -en ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of linen¹

Old English linnen, ultimately from Latin līnum flax, _line ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. wash one's dirty linen in public, to discuss in public one's private scandals, disagreements, or difficulties.

see wash one's dirty linen in public.

Example Sentences

The team calls them “protective yet open,” employing claddings that balance strength and softness — textured stucco, lime-washed concrete, brushed steel and linen fabric.

From Los Angeles Times

He often mixed silk and wool or silk and linen for a softer alternative to the heavy, stiff gabardines and worsted wools that were typical for men’s suits and jackets.

From Los Angeles Times

Lachlan, speaking to BBC Scotland News on Thursday, said: "The main thing on all our minds, aside from seeing family and our girlfriends, is a freshly made bed with fresh linen sheets - and a shower."

From BBC

The base is solid walnut, and the off-white upholstery is a linen blend.

From Los Angeles Times

Natural fibres like cotton and linen help to regulate body temperature and loose-fitting clothing allows room for the breeze to cool you down.

From BBC

Related Words

• bedding 
• cloth 
• lingerie