matelassé

noun

ma·​te·​las·​sé

¦mätᵊl(ˌ)ä¦sā,

¦mät(ˌ)lä-

plural -s

: a double cloth of cotton or rayon or other fibers woven on a jacquard loom and used especially for clothing, upholstery, and bedspreads and marked by raised floral or geometric designs with a puckered or quilted appearance achieved by the interlacing of threads in the weaving or the contracting of threads in the finishing

Word History

Etymology

French, from past participle of matelasser to cushion as with a mattress, from matelas mattress, from Middle French, alteration of materas, from Old French

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now