Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

lisle

noun, often attributive
\ ˈlī(-ə)l How to pronounce lisle (audio) \

Definition of lisle

: a smooth tightly twisted thread usually made of long-staple cotton

First Known Use of lisle

1858, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for lisle

Lisle Lille, France

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about lisle

Dictionary Entries near lisle

Lisieux

lisk

liskeardite

lisle

Lisle, de

lisp

LISP

Statistics for lisle

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for lisle

The first known use of lisle was in 1858

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on lisle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with lisle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lisle

Comments on lisle

What made you want to look up lisle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

inexorable

Listen to the pronounciation of inexorable

not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games