Frilled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frilled

[frɪld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance, fashion

Frilled refers to something that is adorned with a frill or ruffle, often used to describe clothing or fabric that has decorative edges. This term conveys a sense of elegance or added detail, making the item more visually interesting.

Synonyms

decorative, flounced, ruffled.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a frilled dress to the party.
  • The curtains had frilled edges that added charm to the room.
  • He purchased a frilled shirt for the special occasion.
Context #2 | Verb

formation, shape

To frill means to create a frill or ruffle in a material, typically through folding or gathering. It can also imply creating a decorative edge on any textile object or surface.

Synonyms

flounce, gather, ruffle.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to frill the edges of the fabric for a nicer look.
  • He learned how to frill the neckline of the blouse.
  • They frilled the paper to create an artistic effect.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • In fashion, frills are often seen in clothing designs, adding a touch of femininity and elegance.
  • The Victorian era popularized frilled dresses, where layers of fabric and ruffles became a fashion statement.
  • Modern trends sometimes incorporate frilled details in casual wear, blending comfort with decorative elements.

Botany

  • In nature, some flowers, like certain orchids, are described as frilled due to their unique petal structures that have ruffled edges.
  • Frilled leaves in plants can help with moisture retention, providing an interesting adaptation to their environment.
  • The frilled morphology of certain animals, such as the frilled-neck lizard, serves as both a defense mechanism and a mating display.

Art

  • In art, frilled designs are often used in textiles, inspiring various movements such as Art Nouveau, which embraced flowing lines and intricate details.
  • Various fabric manipulation techniques, such as gathering and pleating, create aesthetic frills, often seen in traditional crafts.
  • Frilled shapes can be seen in sculptures or decorative arts, symbolizing elegance and fluidity.

Origin of 'frilled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'frilled' comes from the Middle English 'frillen,' which means to ruffle or to plait.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old French term 'friller,' which also refers to creating folds or flounces in fabric.
  • The term has evolved over time, often used in fashion and nature to describe something that has a decorative appearance.

The term 'frilled' originates from the mid-19th century, and it derives from the noun 'frill,' which likely comes from the Dutch word 'frillet,' meaning a trinket or something that is frilled. It is used widely in fashion and home decor, reflecting a style that embraces ornate design elements. The word reflects the English tendency to simplify and adapt terms from other languages to suit its evolving style vernacular. The popularity of frilled items surged with various fashion movements, particularly during periods favoring more romantic and detailed aesthetics. Thus, 'frilled' captures not only a descriptive quality but also ties back to cultural influences on design.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,632 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.