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

For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

Best Quince Black Friday Home Deals If your linens need refreshing, this sale is the right time to grab everything on your shopping list. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

If linen doesn’t speak to you, Brooklinen’s all-season Luxe Core Sheet Set is a more classic style that’s cool to the touch. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

All were constructed from organic fabrics, including bark cloth and an array of linens, and adorned with touches like tiny embroidered dashes and weaving patterns that mimic those made by tree-eating bugs. —Elaina Patton, Vogue, 27 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