Cashmere Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🐐
cashmere
[ˈkaʒmɪə ]
Definitions
luxury fabric
Cashmere is a fine soft wool, originally that from the undercoat of the Kashmir goat.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cashmere |
Cashmere is often used to describe high-quality garments made from the soft wool of Kashmir goats. It is associated with luxury and warmth.
|
| wool |
Wool specifically refers to the textile fiber obtained from sheep and other animals. It is known for its warmth and is commonly used in cold weather clothing.
|
| fabric |
Fabric is a general term for any material made by weaving, knitting, or bonding fibers. It can describe various types of cloth used for making clothing, curtains, upholstery, etc.
|
| material |
Material is a broad term that refers to any substance used to make something. It can include fabrics but also wood, metal, plastic, etc. It is used in both everyday and technical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- Her sweater was made of pure cashmere.
- The scarf was so soft, it must be made of cashmere.
luxury clothing item
A cashmere is a luxury garment made of cashmere wool.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cashmere |
Best used when talking about high-quality, luxurious wool from the Kashmir goat. It often describes soft, expensive clothing items.
|
| garment |
Typically used in more formal or technical discussions about individual pieces of clothing, or in the fashion industry.
|
| attire |
Suitable for formal or written contexts to talk about clothes, often referring to a coordinated set of clothes for an occasion or activity.
|
| clothing |
A general term for items worn on the body. It is commonly used in both everyday conversation and written texts.
|
Examples of usage
- She was wearing a beautiful cashmere coat.
- He gifted her a cashmere scarf for her birthday.
type of goat
Cashmere goats are a type of domestic goat named for their production of cashmere wool.
Synonyms
domestic goat, wool-producing goat.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cashmere |
Best used when referring to a luxurious type of wool, often associated with high-end fashion and soft, high-quality textiles. Cashmere is specifically obtained from cashmere goats.
|
| domestic goat |
Used when generally talking about common goats kept for companionship, agricultural purposes, or small-scale farming. This term is more about the animal itself, not necessarily its wool.
|
| wool-producing goat |
Appropriate for mentioning any goat breed that is specifically raised for its wool. This term is not limited to cashmere goats and can include others like Angora goats.
|
Examples of usage
- The farmer raised a herd of cashmere goats.
- The cashmere goat has a soft and warm undercoat.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In 18th century Europe, cashmere shawls became fashion staples, especially among the aristocracy, symbolizing luxury.
- In India, cashmere is often handcrafted into intricate designs for garments and is a part of cultural heritage in weddings and celebrations.
Production
- Cashmere is harvested by combing the undercoat of goats during the molting season, resulting in only a small amount of wool per goat.
- It takes the soft undercoat of about 2-3 cashmere goats to make one cashmere sweater.
Environmental Impact
- Sustainable cashmere production is a growing concern, as overgrazing by goats can lead to land degradation in mountainous regions.
- Some initiatives focus on improving animal welfare and land management to make cashmere farming more eco-friendly.
Fashion and Economy
- Cashmere products can be significantly more expensive than regular wool due to the labor-intensive production process and limited supply.
- The global demand for cashmere has led to concerns about sustainability, prompting brands to seek better sourcing practices.
Origin of 'cashmere'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the name of the region Kashmir, known for producing high-quality wool from cashmere goats.
- The spelling was first recorded in English in the 19th century, but its use goes back much further in regional textiles.
The word 'cashmere' originated from Kashmir, a region in South Asia known for its production of high-quality wool. Cashmere wool has been prized for centuries for its softness and warmth. The wool is obtained by combing the undercoat of the Kashmir goat, a breed native to the region. Cashmere garments have long been associated with luxury and are highly valued for their exceptional quality.