linen

1 of 2

adjective

lin·​en ˈli-nən 

1

: made of flax

2

: made of or resembling linen

linen

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster

b

: thread or yarn spun from flax

2

: clothing or household articles made of linen cloth or similar fabric

3

: paper made from linen fibers or with a linen finish

Examples of linen in a Sentence

Noun

She washes the linen every week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Dry clean or wash the rest of your clothing and linens, making sure to use hot water in the washer and high heat in the dryer. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025

Following cotton are denim (6 percent), polyester (3 percent), silk, linen, wool and nylon (all 1 percent). —Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025

According to the company, the fashions are crafted from sustainable, seasonable fabrics such as cashmere, silk, linen, cotton and other environmentally preferred fibers. —David Moin, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025

Plus, the linen-blend fabric is machine washable and iron safe for easy cleaning. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English līnen, from līn flax, from Latin linum flax; akin to Greek linon flax, thread

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing linen

• bed linen(s)
• table linen

Rhymes for linen

• kinin
• ninon
• pinon
• cholecystokinin
• cytokinin
• diazinon
• pangasinan

Kids Definition

linen

noun

lin·​en

ˈlin-ən

1

: smooth strong cloth or yarn made from flax

2

: household articles (as tablecloths or sheets) or clothing (as shirts or underwear) that were once often made of linen

linen adjective