taffeta

noun

taf·​fe·​ta ˈta-fə-tə 

: a crisp plain-woven lustrous fabric of various fibers used especially for women's clothing

Examples of taffeta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What was once purely practical has since evolved into a true sartorial staple, now available in gabardine, nylon, satin, and taffeta fabrics, the latter reserved for eveningwear. —Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2026

For the occasion, my mother had put on her Balenciaga, a black dress with two wide shoulder straps, a firm bodice, a full skirt that ended a few inches above the ankles, and the illusion of an underskirt supplied by a band of taffeta ruffles, also black, that peeked out from beneath the hem. —Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026

Shakespeare in Love actress Gwyneth Paltrow personified the minimalism of the ‘90s with this bubblegum pink taffeta Ralph Lauren evening dress. —Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

Black taffeta, deconstructed, with cutouts and layers that fell in a way that felt slightly wrong but also very right. —Jennifer Noyes, Air Mail, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taffata, from Anglo-French, from Old Italian taffettà, from Turkish tafta, from Persian tāftah woven

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

taffeta

noun

taf·​fe·​ta ˈtaf-ət-ə 

: a crisp shiny fabric used especially for women's clothing