linen

1 of 2

adjective

lin·​en ˈli-nən 

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

Noun

Throw a colorful cardigan over your shoulders (like the Gap Factory Pale Banana Crewneck Cardigan), opt for baby pink linen pants, or find another way to add a pop of color to your seasonal wardrobe. —Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2025

Rainfall showers, plenty of outdoor lounge space, minimalist furniture, and high-quality linens have all the makings of a posh stay. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025

The collection also include linen suiting, cotton high gauge knits, water repellent nylon outerwear and silk-linen tops. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025

Using the finest natural materials, such as worsted wool, silk, cashmere, velvet, corduroy and linen, Knatchbull champions responsible textile producers with transparent supply chains. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

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

Phrases Containing linen

• bed linen(s)
• table linen

Rhymes for linen

• kinin
• ninon
• pinon
• cholecystokinin
• cytokinin
• diazinon
• pangasinan

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