Fabrics: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is usually used in the fashion, upholstery, and textile industries to describe various kinds of materials used for making clothes, furniture coverings, and other products.

• She prefers natural fabrics like cotton and linen.
• The store has a huge selection of fabrics for sewing projects.

Used more technically or formally, often in industrial or academic contexts, to describe any woven, knitted, or felted fabric.

• The company specializes in high-quality textiles for the home.
• Textiles have been an important part of human culture for centuries.

This is a broader term that can refer to substances or components used in the production of goods, not limited to fabrics. It can include wood, metal, plastic, etc.

• They're importing materials from several countries for their construction project.
• Artists often experiment with different materials in their work.

Commonly used to describe a piece of fabric, especially when referring to a simple piece of material used for cleaning, covering, or dressing. It is also used in a more general sense.

• He picked up a cloth to wipe the table.
• The dress was made from a beautiful blue cloth.

General term used to refer to any material made through weaving, knitting, or felting fibers. Often used in contexts related to fashion, interior design, and crafts.

• She chose a selection of luxurious fabrics for her new clothing line
• The store offers a wide variety of fabrics for different sewing projects

Specifically refers to woven or knitted fabrics, sometimes used in industrial or scientific contexts. It can be seen in discussions about the textile industry or textile design.

• The museum had an exhibit on ancient textiles
• She studied textile engineering and works in fabric development

A broad term that encompasses all substances used to make something, not only fabrics. Often used in construction, manufacturing, and any context where raw substances are utilized.

• They needed a variety of materials for the art project
• Building the house required a lot of different materials

Typically refers to a piece of fabric, especially one used for a specific purpose like cleaning or covering surfaces. It can also refer to fabric in a more general sense.

• He used a damp cloth to clean the table
• The dress was made from a beautiful, soft cloth