1
b
: underlying structure : framework
the fabric of society
2
: an act of constructing : erection
specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building
3
a
: structural plan or style of construction
b
: texture, quality
used chiefly of textiles
c
: the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other
4
b
: a material that resembles cloth
5
: the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

Examples of fabric in a Sentence

The curtains are made of expensive fabric. scarves made of woven fabrics the fabric of the community
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.
This stylish headband is made from soft, moisture-wicking fabric. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2025 Made with memory foam, the neck pillow comfortably supports your head and neck in any position and is made with a breathable, yet plush, fabric. Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2025 Dive into what’s next for one of the world’s most enduring fabrics. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2025 Low temperatures are safer for fabrics, but less effective at removing stains. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fabric 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *dhabh-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *dhabh-r-sneh2) + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: The Latin derivative fabrica may have been shortened from fabrica ars, perhaps literally "smith's craft, smith's place of work." The base *dhabh-r- has been compared with Gothic gadaban "to happen, be suitable" and a host of related words (see daft), though the semantic link is tenuous.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fabric was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near fabric

Cite this Entry

“Fabric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fabric. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: the basic structure
the fabric of society
2

More from Merriam-Webster on fabric

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