taffeta

American  

[taf-i-tuh] / ˈtæf ɪ tə /

noun

1. a medium-weight or light-weight fabric of acetate, nylon, rayon, or silk, usually smooth, crisp, and lustrous, plain-woven, and with a fine crosswise rib effect.

2. any of various other fabrics of silk, linen, wool, etc., in use at different periods.

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adjective

1. of or resembling taffeta.

taffeta British  

/ ˈtæfɪtə /

noun

1. 1. a crisp lustrous plain-weave silk, rayon, etc, used esp for women's clothes

   2. ( as modifier )

      a taffeta petticoat

2. any of various similar fabrics

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Etymology

Origin of taffeta

1325–75; Middle English taffata < Medieval Latin ≪ Persian tāftah silken or linen cloth, noun use of past participle of tāftan to twist, spin

Example Sentences

This fall’s iteration features juxtaposed camo-print taffeta, pleated to perfection.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024

Imagine the ghostly rustling of silk taffeta, the clinking of giant paillettes, brought back to life by scientists and engineers.

From New York Times • May 9, 2024

I was like, "Here's her entrance in this crazy taffeta hooded cape that sweeps in."

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2024

And she wore a purple taffeta gown by Christian Siriano in her recently unveiled portrait for the National Portrait Gallery.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2023

There was also a short taffeta cloak, somewhat shabby, and a simple, flat-crowned hat.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

• fiber
• thread
• tulle