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

Nor is there threat of a woman stretching or tearing a fine linen skirt or silk dress when kicking out her legs. —Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

The video starts with a melancholic Gomez laying on the couch of a home covered in linens. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025

It’s crafted with lightweight and breathable linen, so this dress can stay in your regular wardrobe rotation well into summer. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2025

The stunning knit is made from 100 percent organic cotton, boasting the most flattering, drapey fit that pairs well with anything from trousers to a pair of linen shorts. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 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