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Crinoline Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crinoline

[ˈkrɪnəlɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

undergarment

A stiff fabric used to make underskirts and petticoats in the 19th century, often made of horsehair and cotton.

Synonyms

hoop skirt, petticoat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crinoline

Crinoline is often used to describe a specific type of stiffened or structured fabric used to give volume to women's skirts and dresses. It historically refers to the material created from horsehair and linen, but now also refers to the plastic or nylon netting.

  • The ball gown featured layers of crinoline to achieve its full, voluminous shape.
  • She wore a crinoline underneath her wedding dress to create a more dramatic look.
hoop skirt

Hoop skirt refers to a fashion undergarment made with a series of concentric rings or hoops that give a skirt its shape. This term is used when discussing historical fashion, particularly from the mid-19th century, or in costume design for period pieces.

  • The southern belle costume was complete with a wide hoop skirt that rustled as she moved.
  • In the 1850s, women often wore hoop skirts to achieve an exaggerated bell shape.
petticoat

Petticoat is used to describe a skirt or slip worn under a dress or outer skirt to create fullness or for modesty. It is generally softer and less structured than a crinoline or hoop skirt, and can also be decorative with lace and ruffles.

  • She added a petticoat under her dress to give it a bit more volume.
  • The petticoat peeked out from under her skirt, adding a touch of lace to her outfit.

Examples of usage

  • Women in the 1800s wore crinoline under their dresses to give them a voluminous shape.
  • The crinoline helped to support the heavy skirts of the Victorian era.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

A type of skirt or dress with a full, bell-shaped silhouette, often made with layers of tulle or other stiff materials to achieve a similar effect to the historical crinoline.

Synonyms

bell-shaped dress, full skirt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crinoline

Crinoline specifically refers to the stiffened or structured fabric used under skirts to give them volume. It was popular in the 19th century and is sometimes used in historical or vintage fashion discussions.

  • The museum's new exhibit features a beautiful crinoline from the Victorian era.
  • The dress's crinoline made it difficult to move around in tight spaces.
full skirt

A full skirt refers to the part of a dress or a skirt that has a lot of volume and fabric, creating a wide and sweeping silhouette. It's often used in descriptions of feminine and elegant clothing.

  • The bride chose a wedding gown with a full skirt to make a grand entrance.
  • Her wardrobe is filled with vintage dresses with full skirts.
bell-shaped dress

A bell-shaped dress describes the entire garment, not just the underskirt. It is used in fashion and design contexts to describe a dress with a fitted waist and a skirt that flares out like a bell.

  • She twirled in her bell-shaped dress, and the skirt flared out beautifully.
  • The designer's latest collection features many bell-shaped dresses.

Examples of usage

  • The modern ballerina wore a crinoline skirt that gave her a graceful and elegant appearance on stage.
  • The wedding gown was embellished with lace and adorned with a crinoline underskirt.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'crinoline' comes from the French word 'crin', meaning horsehair, and the Italian word 'lin', meaning linen, reflecting the materials used to create this fabric.
  • Crinoline designs became popular in the mid-19th century, transforming women's fashion by giving skirts a wide, bell-like shape.
  • Before it was made from cotton, crinoline often used horsehair, giving it a stiff structure that made dresses stand dramatically wide.

Fashion

  • In the Victorian era, crinolines were essential in women's dress to give an elaborate silhouette, often paired with layers of petticoats for more volume.
  • The 19th-century crinoline could sometimes have a circumference of up to 10 feet, creating a striking appearance in ballrooms and social gatherings.
  • Modern adaptations of crinoline are found in various formal wear, including wedding gowns and theatrical costumes, highlighting its enduring popularity.

Cultural Impact

  • Crinolines influenced not just women's clothing but also societal norms, representing femininity and status in many cultures during their peak.
  • Such skirts were often associated with elegance and dignity; women felt empowered wearing crinolines, despite their cumbersome nature in daily activities.
  • In literature and art, crinolines frequently symbolize the constraints and expectations placed on women in the past, offering commentary on gender roles.

Science

  • The structure of crinoline, with its stiff fabric, demonstrates the concept of materials science, showing how fabric stiffness can change garment shapes.
  • Creating modern crinoline often involves advances in textile technology, such as using synthetic fibers that mimic the traditional stiffness without the bulk.
  • The study of how crinolines shift in movement can be related to physics, involving concepts of balance and weight distribution in fashion design.

Pop Culture

  • Crinolines were popularized in movies and musical theater; characters in period pieces often wear these extravagant skirts to depict historical fashion.
  • The crinoline has made appearances in modern pop culture, symbolizing a throwback to elegance in themed parties or vintage-inspired events.
  • In contemporary fashion, designers occasionally revive crinoline-style skirts, reflecting nostalgia and celebrating past aesthetics in modern designs.

Origin of 'crinoline'

The term 'crinoline' originated from the French word 'crin,' meaning horsehair, and 'lin' for linen. Initially, crinoline referred to a stiff fabric made of horsehair and linen. However, in the mid-19th century, it evolved to describe a style of skirt or petticoat that used a hoop or cage structure to achieve a voluminous shape. The crinoline became popular during the Victorian era but later fell out of fashion due to safety concerns and the impracticality of movement. Despite this, the silhouette and concept of crinoline continue to influence modern fashion and costume design.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,199 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.