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

As warmer days approach, now is the time to swap out heavy bedding for linens that are lighter and more breathable. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 10 May 2025

The rooms are decorated with velvet seating, linen curtains, and antique furniture. —Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

The brand’s signature linen sheets, made of pure European flax, were right on the money for her needs. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025

The linen the Estates chose was a 400-thread count and made of 100 percent cotton. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 May 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