burlap

American  

[bur-lap] / ˈbɜr læp /

noun

1. a plain-woven, coarse fabric of jute, hemp, or the like; gunny.

2. a lightweight fabric made in imitation of this.

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verb (used with object)

burlapped, burlapping

1. to wrap with burlap.

   to burlap and tie a newly dug tree.

burlap British  

/ ˈbɜːlæp /

noun

1. a coarse fabric woven from jute, hemp, or the like

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Etymology

Origin of burlap

1685–95; earlier borelap, equivalent to bore(l) coarse cloth ( bureau ) + lap ¹

Example Sentences

It took him a full day to broadcast the seed into the furrows, after which he folded away the burlap, barely noticing a stencilled word indicating where it had come from: Odessa.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

After the fossil hunters had recorded as much data as they could about where Apex was found, its bones were taped up in protective “jackets” made of plaster and burlap and lifted onto a trailer.

From BBC • May 30, 2024

“Provocations, restrictions,” Abu Awad said, recounting the incident as he spread tarps and burlap sacks under his olive trees.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

It wouldn’t strain the imagination to picture him clutching burlap sacks printed with the euro symbol.

From New York Times • Jan. 27, 2024

Three or four rosebushes with their roots tied in burlap were propped against the fence.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt