texture

1 of 2

noun

tex·​ture ˈteks-chər How to pronounce texture (audio)
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 excitingJohn 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 adjective
texturally adverb
textured adjective
textureless 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Dead skin will be exfoliated, and a medical-grade moisturizer will be applied to improve skin texture and hydration. Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024 This serum combines niacinamide, Vitamin C, collagen peptide, AHA, and Vitamin E to improve texture, firmness, evenness, hydration, and smoothness, leaving your skin refreshed and glowing. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
Beat’s seemingly infinite universe of sound, and hearing all the tones, colors and textures each musician coaxed from his instrument fit together. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024 Unique crackly textures that are uneven to the touch, either bumpy or pitted, much like craters on the moon. Grace Xue, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for texture 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Verb

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of texture was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near texture

Cite this Entry

“Texture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/texture. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

texture

1 of 2 noun
tex·​ture ˈteks-chər How to pronounce texture (audio)
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 adjective

texture

2 of 2 verb
textured; texturing
: to give a particular texture to
texture a ceiling

More from Merriam-Webster on texture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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