taffeta

noun

taf·​fe·​ta ˈta-fə-tə How to pronounce taffeta (audio)
: a crisp plain-woven lustrous fabric of various fibers used especially for women's clothing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Originally designed by Norman Hartnell, the vintage ivory peau de soie taffeta gown, which features diamanté and a geometric checked bodice, was altered slightly by the Queen's dressmaker Stewart Parvin and dresser Angela Kelly to include organza sleeves. Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 31 Mar. 2023 Crisp taffeta and an off-the-shoulder neckline allow for dangling jewels, while the short hemline pairs perfectly with sky-high heels. Cortne Bonilla, harpersbazaar.com, 13 May 2023 Cara Delevingne repped young Hollywood well in a gorgeous red silk taffeta ballgown with a thigh-high slit and one shoulder with a billowing bow. Leanne Italie, ajc, 13 Mar. 2023 The red carpet also had lots of bows, and taffeta, and sequined gowns, but our favorite looks were a little less expected. Tara Gonzalez, Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Jan. 2023 Not long after, the stylist Harry Lambert commissioned Reed to make garments that Harry Styles could wear on tour, including an outfit that went viral on social media: a taffeta blouson shirt with puffed and ruffled sleeves and a dishevelled frilly collar. Piczo, The New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2021 There are reams of crimson taffeta. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 29 May 2021 So much silk taffeta! Jada Yuan, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2022 Lady Gaga in Ralph Lauren Nominated for leading actress in House of Gucci, Lady Gaga wore a custom Ralph Lauren gown in emerald green velvet and silk taffeta that the label noted required more than 50 meters of fabric and more than 150 hours of handcraft. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'taffeta.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taffata, from Anglo-French, from Old Italian taffettà, from Turkish tafta, from Persian tāftah woven

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taffeta was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near taffeta

Cite this Entry

“Taffeta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taffeta. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

taffeta

noun
taf·​fe·​ta ˈtaf-ət-ə How to pronounce taffeta (audio)
: a crisp shiny fabric used especially for women's clothing

More from Merriam-Webster on taffeta

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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