moire

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈmȯi(-ə)r  ˈmȯr  ˈmwär 

archaic

: a watered mohair

moiré

2 of 2

noun (2)

moi·​ré mȯ-ˈrā 

mwä-

variants or moire

mȯ-ˈrā 

mwä-

 

or

ˈmȯi(-ə)r  ˈmȯr  ˈmwär 

1

a

: an irregular wavy finish on a fabric

b

: a ripple pattern on a stamp

2

: a fabric having a wavy watered appearance

3

: an independent usually shimmering pattern seen when two geometrically regular patterns (such as two sets of parallel lines or two halftone screens) are superimposed especially at an acute angle

moiré adjective

or moire

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

French, from English mohair

Noun (2)

French moiré, from moiré like moire, from moire

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1660, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for moire

• noir
• boudoir

Kids Definition

moiré

noun

moi·​ré

mȯ-ˈrā, 

mwä-

variants or moire

same, or

ˈmȯi(-ə)r 

ˈmȯ(ə)r, 

ˈmwär

: a fabric (as silk) that has a shiny wavy-patterned surface

moiré adjective