fabric

noun

fab·​ric ˈfa-brik 

1

a

: structure, building

b

: underlying structure : framework

the fabric of society

2

: an act of constructing : erection

specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building

3

a

: structural plan or style of construction

b

: texture, quality

—used chiefly of textiles

c

: the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other

4

a

: cloth sense 1a

b

: a material that resembles cloth

5

: the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

Synonyms of fabric

• cloth
• textile

Examples of fabric in a Sentence

The curtains are made of expensive fabric.

scarves made of woven fabrics

the fabric of the community

Recent Examples on the Web

Within the bedding category, other signature styles might feature scalloped edges, blue and white colorways, neutral tropical prints, and fabrics like washed linen and crisp percale. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026

At a time when fashion is looking to find a balance between comfort and relaxed elegance, granny shorts—that is, shorts that come in a midi length with a loose fit and in lightweight fabrics—fit perfectly with the spirit of the season. —René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026

What’s not up for dispute is the garment’s make, focused on a water-repellent gabardine fabric that proved much lighter and more breathable than the heavy wool field jackets British troops were used to in the field. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026

Many reviewers note that the larger fit is best for their beds, but the standard fit is great for those who prefer a cleaner look without excess fabric. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *d^hab^h-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *d^hab^h-r-sneh₂) + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: The Latin derivative fabrica may have been shortened from fabrica ars, perhaps literally "smith's craft, smith's place of work." The base *d^hab^h-r- has been compared with Gothic gadaban "to happen, be suitable" and a host of related words (see daft), though the semantic link is tenuous.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fabric

• fabric softener

Kids Definition

fabric

noun

fab·​ric ˈfab-rik 

1

: the basic structure

the fabric of society

2

: cloth sense 1