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

In fact, this relaxed-fit Everlane half-zip is stylish enough to be paired with trousers, flowy linen pants, or a matching pair of sweatpants, all while keeping you comfy during your next travel day. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025

This super-soft microfiber set from Wayfair deserves a spot in your linen closet—and on your bed. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2025

Secure a glove-like fit from Proenza Schouler or Paris/Texas, and wear these uncomplicated picks with everything from white jeans and draped tops to matching linen sets. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

The exterior is European flax linen and the feather-down insert with its organic cotton shell is the ideal medium firmness. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 Apr. 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