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 a $3 decorative serving bowl to a pair of linen pillows ($25), these BHG x Walmart gifts are ideal for the homebodies and interior design enthusiasts in your life. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025

Guests must provide their own linens and restrooms and showers are nearby. —Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 12 Dec. 2025

Olga’s business selling second-hand clothes, curtains and bed linens had been destroyed by gangs. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

In fact, the product’s popularity soared in the Victorian era, when the royal laundress credited her perfectly bright linens to the little blue additive, turning it into a household must-have. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 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