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

Naboso was developed by a podiatrist and uses texture on all products to stimulate the feet, improving overall foot awareness, foot strength and aiding in recovery. —ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026

Ortiz sneaks field recordings and samples into these songs, too—each adding texture to the universe of her songs and evoking the wider world that exists just outside the frame of her narration. —Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026

Verb

Graphite leather is found behind the pillows but atop the nightstands and bar, too, and throw pillows and upholstery are richly textured. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026

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