Linen: meaning, definitions and examples

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linen

[ˈlɪn.ən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

textile fabric

Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is known for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather, making it a popular choice for clothing and home textiles.

Synonyms

cloth, fabric, flax.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
linen	Linen is often used to refer to a specific type of fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is known for being lightweight, breathable, and suitable for warm weather. Frequently used in the context of clothing, bed sheets, and tablecloths. She bought a new set of linen bed sheets for the summer The restaurant used white linen tablecloths for an elegant look
flax	Flax refers specifically to the plant whose fibers are used to make linen. It is used more often in agricultural or botanical contexts. Flax is an important crop in many regions due to its versatile uses Farmers harvested the flax to be processed into linen
cloth	Cloth is a more general term that can refer to any woven or knitted material. It can be used in various contexts, including clothing, cleaning, and crafting. He used a piece of cloth to clean up the spill She purchased several yards of cloth for her sewing project
fabric	Fabric is often used to describe the material that is used to make clothing, upholstery, and other household items. It is a broad term that encompasses all types of textiles, whether woven, knitted, or non-woven. The designer chose a luxurious fabric for the evening gown The couch was covered in a soft, durable fabric

Examples of usage

Linen sheets are perfect for summer because of their breathability.
She prefers to wear linen dresses during the warm months.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

tablecloth

A linen is also a piece of cloth used as a tablecloth, typically white or cream in color.

Synonyms

covering, napkin, tablecloth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
linen	In this context, it refers specifically to items like bed sheets, pillowcases, and tablecloths that are made from linen fabric. We need to change the linen on all the beds She ironed the linen tablecloth before setting the table
tablecloth	Used to refer to a cloth used to cover and decorate a dining table. The red tablecloth added a festive touch to the dinner She spilled wine on the white tablecloth
napkin	Used to refer to a small piece of cloth or paper used during meals to wipe fingers or lips. Please pass me a napkin She placed a folded napkin next to each plate
covering	Used to refer to anything that serves as a covering, including blankets, or any material used to cover surfaces. The old chair had a new covering of green fabric He pulled a covering over the furniture to protect it from dust

Examples of usage

She spread a fresh linen on the dining table for the dinner party.
The restaurant used crisp white linens on the tables for an elegant touch.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

bedding

In the context of bedding, linen refers to bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers made from linen fabric.

Synonyms

bed linens, bedclothes, bedding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
linen	This repeated entry likely by accident; see the first entry for context and examples. See 'linen' above
bedding	A broad term that includes everything used to dress a bed, like sheets, blankets, comforters, and sometimes even the mattress protector. We bought new bedding for the master bedroom Bedding needs to be washed regularly to maintain hygiene
bed linens	Specifically refers to the sheets, pillowcases, and other coverings used on a bed. I need to change the bed linens this weekend Fresh bed linens make for a comfortable sleep
bedclothes	A more old-fashioned term that generally refers to all bed coverings including sheets, blankets, and potentially even pillows. She folded the bedclothes neatly every morning The guest room bedclothes are stored in the closet

Examples of usage

She invested in linen bedding for its softness and durability.
The hotel provided luxurious linen for a comfortable night's sleep.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Linen is one of the oldest fabrics known to humanity, traced back over 10,000 years in ancient Egypt.
In ancient times, linen was used to wrap mummies, and its durability symbolized purity and light.
The word 'linen' comes from the Latin word 'linum,' which means 'flax,' and this plant is where linen originates.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, linen is associated with wealth and status, often used for fine garments and tablecloths.
In Orthodox Christian rituals, linen cloths, known as shrouds, are used in funerary practices to symbolize the afterlife.
Traditional French cuisine often uses linen napkins and tablecloths which signify elegance during dining.

Science

Linen is highly absorbent and dries faster than cotton, making it ideal for warm climates.
The fibers from the flax plant used to make linen have natural antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial in clothing.
Due to its composition, linen wrinkles easily but is durable enough to withstand repeated washing and wears.

Fashion

Linen saw a resurgence in popularity during the 1960s and 70s as a fashionable choice for summer attire.
Modern fashion often praises linen for its breathability and lightweight nature, perfect for casual and formal outfits alike.
Designers love using linen in their collections for its texture, which gives clothes a unique, relaxed look.

Environmental Impact

Linen is considered more eco-friendly than many other fabrics, as flax requires less water and fewer pesticides to grow.
The production of linen can be more sustainable since the entire flax plant can be used, minimizing waste.
As a natural fiber, linen is biodegradable, making it a good choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.

Translations

Translations of the word "linen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linho

🇮🇳 सन

🇩🇪 Leinen

🇮🇩 linen

🇺🇦 льон

🇵🇱 len

🇯🇵 リネン

🇫🇷 lin

🇪🇸 lino

🇹🇷 keten

🇰🇷 리넨

🇸🇦 الكتان

🇨🇿 len

🇸🇰 ľan

🇨🇳 亚麻布

🇸🇮 lan

🇮🇸 lín

🇰🇿 зығыр

🇬🇪 სელი

🇦🇿 kətan

🇲🇽 lino

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,803 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6800 horrible
6801 weigh
6802 fascinating
6803 linen
6804 shrugged
6805 spiral
6806 plantation
...