linen

1 of 2

adjective

lin·​en ˈli-nən How to pronounce linen (audio)
1
: made of flax
2
: made of or resembling linen

linen

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster
b
: thread or yarn spun from flax
2
: clothing or household articles made of linen cloth or similar fabric
3
: paper made from linen fibers or with a linen finish

Examples of linen in a Sentence

Noun She washes the linen every week.
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
The contemporary design language also stretches to include soft boucle headboards, Japanese-style linen lantern lights and low-slung, curvy bench-sofas for a top-tier level of comfort to the space. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 The light honey finish is available with cream linen or beige velvet seat cushions. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025 While linen bedding may seem one and the same—these sheets will convince you otherwise. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2025 Princess Eugenie’s dress included ornate cutouts, particularly on the skirt, which featured feminine motifs like flowers and bows intricately designed with symmetry on the linen fabric. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for linen

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English līnen, from līn flax, from Latin linum flax; akin to Greek linon flax, thread

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of linen was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Linen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linen. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

linen

noun
lin·​en
ˈlin-ən
1
: smooth strong cloth or yarn made from flax
2
: household articles (as tablecloths or sheets) or clothing (as shirts or underwear) that were once often made of linen
linen adjective

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