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

Extraneous Cleaning Products Similarly, a handful of cleaning products stored in the linen closet is a smart idea, especially if they’re used to clean adjacent rooms. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2025

It’s covered in comfortable linen fabric that’s stain-resistant and easy to spot clean. —Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025

In Buckman’s hands, that charged refrain becomes a textile language – ink, paint, appliqué, and dense hand-embroidery — stretched across vintage domestic linens. —Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025

Cloud-like king beds feature Simmons mattresses and linens by Pedersoli Milano. —Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 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