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

From stone countertops to warm hardwoods and linen fabrics, natural materials take center stage. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025

Here to take you from the city stroll to the last-minute flight, the bag — offered in brown and blue, tulip-pink and emerald, or hot-pink and emerald — will do wonders when worn alongside breezy linen separates, denim dresses, and Larroudé’s own Verona New Macrame Flats in Burnt Umber Leather. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025

For $100, startups could also have its name printed inside the jacket linen. —Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025

Even Whirlpool says a shake is worth your time with linens. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 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