Fabrics: meaning, definitions and examples

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fabrics

[ˈfabrɪks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

types of materials

Cloth typically produced by weaving or knitting textile fibers. Fabrics are used for making clothing, upholstery, curtains, and many other items.

Synonyms

cloth, materials, textiles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fabrics	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.
textiles	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.
materials	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.
cloth	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.

Examples of usage

The store sells a variety of fabrics for sewing projects.
She chose a soft fabric for the new sofa upholstery.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

types of materials

Any material made of fibers, yarns, or threads.

Synonyms

cloth, materials, textiles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fabrics	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
textiles	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
materials	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
cloth	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

Examples of usage

The museum displays fabrics from different cultures around the world.
Silk and cotton are popular fabrics for clothing.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The earliest known fabrics date back to around 7000 BC, when people started weaving plant fibers and animal hair.
Silk, one of the most luxurious fabrics, was discovered in ancient China around 2700 BC and was a closely guarded secret for centuries.
The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century transformed fabric production with machines, making textiles cheaper and widely available.

Cultural Significance

Traditional fabrics like kente cloth from Ghana or kimono fabric from Japan play crucial roles in cultural identity and heritage.
In many cultures, specific fabrics signify social status or wealth, such as silk in China or brocade in European nobility.
Tartan patterns in Scotland reflect clan lineage and pride, showcasing how fabrics can tell stories about people.

Science and Technology

Smart fabrics now integrate technology, allowing clothing to change color or monitor health indicators.
Synthetic fibers, invented in the early 20th century, revolutionized the clothing industry, introducing materials that are stretchy, waterproof, or stain-resistant.
Researchers are developing biodegradable fabrics to reduce textile waste in landfills, showing innovation in sustainable materials.

Art and Literature

Artisanal fabrics have influenced design in modern art movements, particularly through textile patterns and weaving techniques.
Several famous literary works use fabrics symbolically, such as the tapestry in Chaucer’s 'The Canterbury Tales' representing various social classes.
In poetry, fabrics often represent the woven nature of life and relationships, emphasizing interconnectedness among beings.

Fashion Industry

The fashion industry consistently influences trends, showcasing how fabrics evolve each season with new colors, designs, and patterns.
Fashion designers often use innovative fabric technologies to create eco-friendly collections, reflecting growing sustainability awareness.
Unique fabric textures, like denim or velvet, can transform clothing into statements, impacting style and cultural expressions.

Translations

Translations of the word "fabrics" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tecidos

🇮🇳 कपड़े

🇩🇪 Stoffe

🇮🇩 kain

🇺🇦 тканини

🇵🇱 tkaniny

🇯🇵 布

🇫🇷 tissus

🇪🇸 telas

🇹🇷 kumaşlar

🇰🇷 직물

🇸🇦 أقمشة

🇨🇿 látky

🇸🇰 tkaniny

🇨🇳 织物

🇸🇮 tkanine

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 маталар

🇬🇪 ქსოვილები

🇦🇿 parçalar

🇲🇽 telas

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,002 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6999 nationalism
7000 confinement
7001 gamma
7002 fabrics
7003 discharges
7004 mailing
7005 revolt
...