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Pilling: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿงถ
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pilling

 

[ หˆpษชlษชล‹ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

fabric care

Pilling is the formation of small balls of fibers on the surface of a fabric. This typically occurs when fibers loosen and tangle during wear or washing. Pilling can affect the appearance of garments and textiles, often making them look worn out. The phenomenon is more common in fabrics made from shorter fibers, such as wool and cotton. To reduce pilling, it's advisable to wash clothes inside out and use a gentle cycle.

Synonyms

fraying, fuzzing, linting

Examples of usage

  • My sweater started pilling after just a few washes.
  • To avoid pilling, wash your fleece garments separately.
  • She used a fabric shaver to remove the pilling from her coat.
Context #2 | Noun

textiles

Pilling refers to the formation of small, fuzzy balls on the surface of a fabric or garment. It is caused by the friction and wear of the fabric during use and laundering. Pilling is viewed as a sign of fabric aging and can diminish the aesthetic value of clothing. While some fabrics are more prone to pilling, there are also treatments available to reduce or eliminate these small balls. Regular maintenance and proper washing techniques can help minimize pilling on your favorite garments.

Synonyms

bobbling, fuzz, puffing

Examples of usage

  • The pilling on my old sweater makes it look cheap.
  • Detection of pilling is important in assessing fabric quality.
  • She noticed a lot of pilling on her favorite blanket.

Translations

Translations of the word "pilling" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pilling

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฟเคฒเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Pilling

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pilling

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะปั–ะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pilling

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ”ใƒชใƒณใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pilling

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pilling

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pilling

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•„๋ง

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชูƒูˆูŠู† ุงู„ูƒุฑูŠุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pilling

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pilling

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ตท็ƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pilling

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ pilling

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะธะปะปะธะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pilling

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pilling

Etymology

The term 'pilling' originates from the verb 'pill,' which means to form a small ball of fibers. The word pill is believed to have been derived from the Old English 'pyll,' which referred to a small ball or rounded lump, possibly related to the word 'pill,' signifying a small, rounded object. The usage of 'pilling' specifically in relation to textiles became popular in the mid-20th century when the mass production of synthetic materials began, leading to increased occurrences of pilled fabrics. Over time, as consumers became more aware of fabric quality and care, the term gained prominence in discussions about garment maintenance and textile durability. Today, pilling is a widely recognized issue among manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike, with ongoing research into the best methods for preventing and treating pilled fabrics.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,570, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.