1
: a strong fiber obtained from the leafstalk of a banana (Musa textilis) native to the Philippines
called also Manila hemp
2
: the plant that yields abaca
Examples of abaca in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This Amberly Woven Placemat woven from abaca fibers and this Bistrot Teak Flatware instantly elevates your table.
—
Sydney Wingfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2025
The dining room’s reclaimed-wood table and chairs are by Restoration Hardware, and the wing chairs are by Ralph Lauren Home; the curtains are of a Mulberry Home linen from Lee Jofa, the abaca rug is by Merida, and the walls are painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Smokey Salmon.
—Martin Bourne, ELLE Decor, 15 June 2023
These fine blotting sheets are made from natural abaca leaf, a banana relative known for its water-resistance and cleansing properties.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2023
In the living room, there’s a graphic abaca rug in the shape of a slithering snake.
—Julia Bainbridge, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2020
Made in silk abaca straw, the hat finished off the royal mom’s all-pink chic look for the event back in July.
—Monique Jessen, PEOPLE.com, 12 Nov. 2019
As of 2021, Furukawa’s plantations for abaca spanned nearly 23,000 hectares across three provinces, the AFP reported, including Santo Domingo as well as Los Ríos and Esmeraldas.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
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Sydney Wingfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2025
The dining room’s reclaimed-wood table and chairs are by Restoration Hardware, and the wing chairs are by Ralph Lauren Home; the curtains are of a Mulberry Home linen from Lee Jofa, the abaca rug is by Merida, and the walls are painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Smokey Salmon.
—Martin Bourne, ELLE Decor, 15 June 2023
These fine blotting sheets are made from natural abaca leaf, a banana relative known for its water-resistance and cleansing properties.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2023
In the living room, there’s a graphic abaca rug in the shape of a slithering snake.
—Julia Bainbridge, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2020
Made in silk abaca straw, the hat finished off the royal mom’s all-pink chic look for the event back in July.
—Monique Jessen, PEOPLE.com, 12 Nov. 2019
As of 2021, Furukawa’s plantations for abaca spanned nearly 23,000 hectares across three provinces, the AFP reported, including Santo Domingo as well as Los Ríos and Esmeraldas.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Abaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abaca. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abaca
noun
ab·a·ca
ˌab-ə-ˈkä 
ˈab-ə-ˌkä
: a strong fiber that comes from a banana plant native to the Philippines
called also Manila hemp
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