twill

noun \ ˈtwil \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Definition of twill

1 : a fabric with a twill weave

2 : a textile weave in which the filling threads pass over one and under two or more warp threads to give an appearance of diagonal lines

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Recent Examples of twill from the Web

Made from durable, water-resistant twill that will break-in over time and sporting leather straps, this handsome bag is ideal for camping trips or cabin stays.

— max berlinger, latimes.com, "LeBron James carries a $41,000 bag. Here's your chance to get into the man-bag game with these picks," 12 July 2018
There were cotton twill pants, almost like a Carhartt, canvas-y type feel.

— jeremy fuchs, SI.com, "A Tour of Sports Movie Memorabilia Heaven," 6 July 2018
The bold color-blocking and the graphic prints on silk twill are both here, but there’s newness, too.

— nicole phelps, Vogue, "Fausto Puglisi Brings His Trademark Verve to a Capsule Collection for Marina Rinaldi," 5 July 2018
Buy Now Brooks Brothers plaid summer twill sport shirt Tucked in under a blazer or left unbuttoned by the pool, this shirt’ll adapt to whatever Independence Day brings your way.

— yang-yi goh, GQ, "17 Fourth of July Menswear Buys That’ll Outshine the Fireworks," 3 July 2018
Our favorite ridiculously comfortable twill sheets will be 20% off from now until the end of next week.

— health editors, Health.com, "The Fourth of July Sales That Are Actually Worth Shopping," 28 June 2018
Carbon fiber has a twill weave, which produces a pattern of diagonal lines, and Olivares wanted to mimic that weave in the fabric that covered the daybed’s cushion.

— pilar viladas, Curbed, "How ship masts inspired this LA-designer’s latest textile collection," 12 Apr. 2018
The 100 percent cotton twill chino with a compact weave, tonal herringbone pocketing and natural corozo buttons has a slightly oversize fit, a high waist and a straight leg.

— jean palmieri | wwd, latimes.com, "Abercrombie & Fitch to debut John F. Kennedy-inspired collection," 9 Apr. 2018
The twill fabric, for example, is perfect for rainwear and protection from the elements.

— mekita rivas, Teen Vogue, "Designer Tracy Reese Creates "Flint Fit" Collection Using Plastic Bottles From Flint Water Crisis," 6 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of twill

Middle English twyll, twylle, from Old English twilic having a double thread, partial translation of Latin bilic-, bilix, from bi- + licium thread

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year