selvage

noun

sel·vage | \ ˈsel-vij

How to pronounce selvage (audio)

\

variants: or selvedge

Definition of selvage

1a : the edge on either side of a woven or flat-knitted fabric so finished as to prevent raveling specifically : a narrow border often of different or heavier threads than the fabric and sometimes in a different weave

b : an edge (as of fabric or paper) meant to be cut off and discarded

2 : an outer or peripheral part : border, edge

Other Words from selvage Example Sentences Learn More about selvage

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of selvage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And there is a coat of Prince of Wales check in which the skirt is covered in a swirly, ruffled embroidery made from the scraps of selvage edges left on the cutting room floor. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "The Top 10 Collections of the Fall 2019 Season," 8 Mar. 2019 Who in their right mind would wriggle into stiff selvage denim and zero-stretch vintage 501s when leggings—which do so much more than hold me during downward dogs and spin classes—exist? — Alexandra Ilyashov, Glamour, "A Case For Wearing Maternity Jeans When You’re Not Pregnant," 6 Dec. 2018 Cut out a 4 3/4-by-4-inch piece of patterned fabric, using the selvage as one of the 4 3/4-inch edges. 2. — Martha Stewart, star-telegram, "Tips for creating the perfect Thanksgiving table," 1 Nov. 2017 Pin to bottom corner of napkin, 1 inch from edges, leaving selvage edge open at top of pocket. — Martha Stewart, star-telegram, "Tips for creating the perfect Thanksgiving table," 1 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'selvage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about selvage

Dictionary Entries near selvage

Statistics for selvage

Last Updated

26 Mar 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for selvage

The first known use of selvage was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

WORD OF THE DAY

nonpareil

having no equal

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Dictionary Devil

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

TAKE THE QUIZ