Tulle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tulle

[tul ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fabric material

A lightweight, fine, stiff netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon, used especially for veils and ballet tutus.

Synonyms

lace, mesh, netting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tulle

Tulle is a delicate, fine fabric often used in wedding gowns, ballet tutus, and veils. It can also be used in decorations for a soft, romantic look.

  • The bride's dress was made of layers of tulle.
  • The ballerina gracefully danced in her tulle skirt.
netting

Netting is a broader term for any fabric made from intersecting threads with spaces between them, used in various practical applications like fishing nets, garden nets, and sometimes in fashion for a bold look.

  • The fisherman repaired the holes in his netting.
  • The garden was protected from birds by some netting.
mesh

Mesh is a loosely woven or knit fabric with evenly spaced holes, often used for sportswear, bags, and items where breathability is important.

  • He wore a mesh jersey during the football game.
  • The makeup bag had a mesh compartment for airflow.
lace

Lace is a type of fabric characterized by openwork, often floral or geometric patterns, used in elegant clothing, lingerie, and home decor like tablecloths and curtains.

  • She wore a beautiful lace dress to the party.
  • The curtains were made from a delicate lace material.

Examples of usage

  • Tulle is commonly used in wedding veils.
  • The ballerina's tutu was made of layers of tulle.
  • She wore a tulle skirt to the party.
Context #2 | Noun

culinary

A light, delicate pastry made of thin layers of dough filled with fruit or cream.

Synonyms

mille-feuille, pastry, puff pastry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tulle

Tulle is a lightweight, very fine netting, often used in clothing and decorations, especially for veils, gowns, and tutus.

  • The bride looked stunning in her dress made from layers of tulle.
  • The dancers wore tutus with colorful tulle skirts.
pastry

Pastry is a general term for baked goods made from dough, such as pies, tarts, and croissants. It can refer to both the dough and the final product.

  • She bought a box of assorted pastries for the office breakfast.
  • Puff pastry and shortcrust pastry are commonly used in baking.
puff pastry

Puff pastry is a specific type of pastry dough that is flaky and light, made by layering dough and butter. It is often used for making croissants, turnovers, and other pastries.

  • Puff pastry can be tricky to make from scratch, but it's worth the effort.
  • I used puff pastry to make savory cheese twists for the party.
mille-feuille

Mille-feuille, also known as 'Napoleon', is a classic French pastry consisting of layers of puff pastry and cream.

  • I had a delicious mille-feuille for dessert at the French bakery.
  • Making mille-feuille at home requires patience and skill to get the layers right.

Examples of usage

  • The dessert was topped with a tulle of pastry.
  • She baked a delicious tulle filled with berries.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • Tulle is widely celebrated in the fashion world, often featured in bridal gowns and high-fashion runway designs.
  • In addition to dresses, tulle is also used in ballet costumes and is often seen in fairy tale-themed costumes.
  • The fabric can be styled in many ways, including layered for volume or gathered for a softer look.

Cultural Significance

  • Tulle is a staple in many weddings, symbolizing elegance and grace in bridal attire.
  • In some cultures, tulle is used to create veils and other ceremonial garments, signifying purity and celebration.
  • The lightweight nature of tulle has made it a favored material in various theatrical productions for costumes.

Artistry

  • Tulle fabric is often used in crafts for creating decorative elements like table centerpieces and floral arrangements.
  • Artists experiment with tulle in mixed media art, utilizing its transparency and texture for striking visuals.
  • Fashion designers creatively layer tulle to build spatial illusions in their collections, enhancing the feel of fantasy.

Science & Technology

  • Modern tulle often incorporates advancements in fabric technology, leading to more durable yet soft variations.
  • The lightweight nature of tulle makes it an excellent choice for airy garment designs that are comfortable to wear.
  • Synthetic versions of tulle are now easier to clean and maintain, making them more practical for everyday use.

Origin of 'tulle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tulle' comes from the name of a French city, Tulle, where this type of netting was first made.
  • Originally, tulle was made from silk, but now it can also be made from nylon or polyester.
  • The fabric gained popularity in the 19th century and was used in many royal and important garments.

The word 'tulle' originates from the city of Tulle in central France. Tulle fabric became popular in the 18th century for its use in ballet attire and veils. The culinary use of tulle in pastries emerged in the 19th century, inspired by the light and airy qualities of the fabric.