Shantung

[ shan-tuhng shan-tuhng; Chinese shahn-doong ]

noun

1. Shandong.
2. (often lowercase) Textiles.
   1. a heavy pongee. Compare tussah.
   2. a fabric imitating this, of rayon or cotton.

Shantung

¹

/ ˈʃænˈtʌŋ /

noun

1. a variant transliteration of the Chinese name for Shandong

shantung

²

/ ˌʃænˈtʌŋ /

noun

1. a heavy silk fabric with a knobbly surface
2. a cotton or rayon imitation of this

Word History and Origins

Origin of Shantung¹

C19: so called because it was first imported to Britain from Shantung in China

Example Sentences

A calf-length silk shantung skirt with mirrored embroidery sparkled in the evening light.

From Seattle Times

Constructed in cream silk shantung, the veste was sculpted to fit snugly above a narrow waist, then flare into a scalloped basque, which was meticulously padded, stiffened and weighted to accentuate the hipline.

From New York Times

There’s luxury in the materials — shantung silk curtains, travertine floors — but the true appeal rests in the perfect proportions.

From New York Times

The designer said he had looked to the label’s Spanish founder, Cristobal Balenciaga, for inspiration, showing egg-shaped silhouettes, a draped polka dot dress in chiffon and a shantung coat embroidered with faux fur.

From Reuters

Guest-meets-Rita-Hayworth-by-way-of-the-fruit-bowl vision, in iridescent taffeta, plush velvet, silk shantung and Swarovski crystal, with balloon sleeves, blossoming “strawberry” skirts and football shoulders — all in shades of orange, lemon, grape and cherry.

From New York Times