taffeta
Americannoun
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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.
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any of various other fabrics of silk, linen, wool, etc., in use at different periods.
adjective
noun
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a crisp lustrous plain-weave silk, rayon, etc, used esp for women's clothes
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( as modifier )
a taffeta petticoat
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any of various similar fabrics
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
Explanation
Taffeta is a smooth, shiny fabric that's used to make formal dresses and fancy curtains. You were thrilled to be chosen as the maid of honor in your best friend's wedding until you learned you'd have to wear a poofy, lime-green taffeta bridesmaid dress. Some taffeta is very stiff—wide-skirted ball gowns, formal prom dresses, and wedding dresses are commonly made from this type of taffeta. Sometimes it's softer, like the taffeta that is used in linings of dresses or draperies. The most expensive taffeta is made from silk. The word taffeta comes from the Persian taftah, "silk or linen cloth," and its root, taftan, "to twist or spin."
Vocabulary lists containing taffeta
Fabulous Fabrics
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Words More Women Knew on the Ghent University Online Vocabulary Test
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Secrets at Sea
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Tucked into its attached pouch, this lightweight nylon taffeta hammock is small enough to stow in a beach bag or backpack.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2023
Sir Grayson had the honour bestowed on him on Wednesday while wearing a "burgundy taffeta" dress, inspired by the coronation of King Charles III.
From BBC • Jun. 28, 2023
My hand grazes a dress—intricately beaded bodice, voluminous taffeta skirt.
From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
