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

While Ziomek beelines to the dining room of the estate for vintage linens and statement pieces for entertaining, other shoppers like Jessica Lev, owner of Jessica Lev Antiques in Houston, Texas, have their sights set on accessories like china sets and leather books. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

Hadid said the launch collection will offer a variety of price points, ranging from $88 to $11,000 for a leather jacket lined with linen. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025

This $40 style by Gap is made from a soft, breathable, and durable blend of linen and cotton. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025

The technology is applicable to cotton, polyester, nylon, viscose, silk, linen, acrylic, and their blends. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 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