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

Isko is also preparing for utility trends with rugged 2×1 constructions and linen wefts for authentic workwear appeal. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

The homes come furnished with table, stove, refrigerator, pots, dishes, linens, a television and microwave. —La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025

The interiors are calm and minimal, with natural textures like pine wood and soft linens featuring throughout the various spaces. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025

The capsule collection of men’s beach, resort and swimwear includes shirts, shorts, swim shorts and accessories in Italian linen, silk and toweling. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 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