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

Adjective

Multi-density sponges – wrapped in impossibly soft elastic micro-linen fabric – in the seat and headrest contoured to every curve in my anatomy, deliberately cupping each vertebra as if the chair were custom fitted to me, and me only. — New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2026

Noun

Taupe linen shades soften red brick walls, as do teal velvet sofas, handmade straw baskets, and wool blankets woven by local company Evangeline. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026

Working with linens gave me the opportunity to think about color on an entirely different scale. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

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

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