tarlatan

noun

tar·​la·​tan ˈtär-lə-tən How to pronounce tarlatan (audio)
: a sheer cotton fabric in open plain weave usually heavily sized for stiffness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Toiles are traditionally cut from off-white muslin, but for garments that were going to be black Balenciaga cut toiles from black percale, twill, or tarlatan. Laura Jacobs, WSJ, 9 Oct. 2018

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

Word History

Etymology

French tarlatane

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tarlatan was circa 1741

Dictionary Entries Near tarlatan

Cite this Entry

“Tarlatan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarlatan. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

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