twill

noun \ ˈtwil \

Updated on: 14 Apr 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

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
Iris & Ink Jac belted cotton-twill culottes, $150; 2.

— The Cut, "What 5 Women in Fashion Want for Spring," 23 Mar. 2018
At Sies Marjan, the designer Sander Lak, one of the premier colorists in New York, produced a play on life before sunset, all ombré shades of rust fading into black, silver to rose, blood red to indigo, in satin and twill.

— vanessa friedman, New York Times, "Politics Comes to the New York Runways," 12 Feb. 2018
The nylon twill duffle from upstart label Stuart & Lau has a rubber waterproof backing.

— jacob gallagher, WSJ, "See You, Wheelie Bag. The Duffle Is Back," 6 Dec. 2017
Pair them with cotton twill patch-pocket pants that dial up the default look of chinos a couple notches. 1.

— terrance flynn, WSJ, "Don’t Be That Guy: Avoiding Over-40 Style Pitfalls," 20 July 2017
Some have wider legs, like those in heavy twill from Noah; others, like S.K. Manor Hill’s, sport retro front-pleats, and Pilgrim Surf + Supply’s version flaunts dressy one-and-a-half-inch cuffs.

— jacob gallagher, WSJ, "New Men’s Khakis Have a Distinctive Style Edge," 23 Aug. 2017
There will be 30-limited edition scarves available in chiffon, pongee, twill, and cashmere with prices starting from $476.50.

— liana satenstein, Marie Claire, "Alexander McQueen's Skull Scarf Gets a Damien Hirst Makeover," 13 Aug. 2013

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