permanent press

noun

1

: the process of treating a fabric with a chemical (such as a resin) and heat for setting the shape and for aiding wrinkle resistance

2

: material treated by permanent press

3

: the condition of material treated by permanent press

permanent-press

ˈpər-mə-nənt-ˈpres 

ˈpərm-nənt-

adjective

Examples of permanent press in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most modern washing machines come equipped with a variety of specialized cycles, but one of the most misunderstood is the permanent press setting. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026

Hang them to dry or put them in the dryer on its permanent press setting. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 May 2026

Wash with similar colored fabrics on the permanent press cycle. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for permanent press

• adulteress
• adventuress
• nevertheless
• abbess
• abscess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress

Kids Definition

permanent press

noun

: the process of treating a fabric chemically to resist wrinkling

permanent-press adjective