texture

1 of 2

noun

tex·​ture ˈteks-chər 

1

a

: the visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance of something

the texture of an oil painting

b

: the disposition or manner of union of the particles of a body or substance

2

a

: a composite of the elements of prose or poetry

All these words … meet violently to form a texture impressive and exciting.

—John Berryman

b

: a pattern of musical sound created by tones or lines played or sung together

3

a

: essential part : substance

b

: identifying quality : character

4

a

: something composed of closely interwoven elements

specifically : a woven cloth

b

: the structure formed by the threads of a fabric

5

a

: basic scheme or structure

b

: overall structure

textural

ˈteks-chə-rəl 

adjective

texturally

ˈteks-chə-rə-lē 

adverb

textured

ˈteks-chərd 

adjective

textureless

ˈteks-chər-ləs 

adjective

texture

2 of 2

verb

textured; texturing

transitive verb

: to give a particular texture to

Examples of texture in a Sentence

Noun

wood with a rough texture

the smooth texture of silk

The plant's leaves are almost leathery in texture.

foods with very different textures

The custard should be smooth and creamy in texture.

a song with layered textures

I liked the raw, gritty texture of the film.

The movies are similar in texture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The rooms The Cape’s 159 rooms, suites, and villas share a sleek Baja aesthetic with concrete, wood textures, and somewhat masculine neutrals paired with sculptural lighting and elements. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026

The Slovak singer, who trained in K-pop before launching her own project, has cited influences ranging from electronic pop to darker R&B textures. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

Verb

However, her favorite options are textured grasscloth wallpaper and fabric-upholstered walls. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Finish off with some texturing paste for some piecey layers. —Audrey Noble, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin textura, from textus, past participle of texere to weave — more at technical

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Verb

1694, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

texture

1 of 2 noun

tex·​ture ˈteks-chər 

1

: the structure, feel, and appearance of something (as a fabric)

the smooth texture of silk

wood with a rough texture

2

: a quality that identifies something

textured

-chərd 

adjective

texture

2 of 2 verb

textured; texturing

: to give a particular texture to

texture a ceiling