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

Pottery Barn’s best-selling iteration is made of a high-quality, thick linen fabric that diffuses the brightness of the lightbulb while still casting a warm glow. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025

The linens are Parachute, the bath products are Le Labo, and the kitchens come with full-size Smeg refrigerators. —Emily Wilson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

In fact, the layout and function of the villas have been ergonomically designed by doctors to create a holistic resting space with elements, such as blackout curtains and even small linen covers for lights on the AC, to offer an undisturbed night’s rest. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

As the equinox ushers in fall, consider shifting your wardrobe by swapping your bathing suits, linens, and sandals for cozy cashmere and wool sweaters and staples like leather boots and silk scarves. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 18 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