# dobby

/dˈɒbi/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dobby
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a tiny raised pattern in cloth, like small dots or squares, made with a special part on a loom.

For teachers: a loom attachment that controls warp threads to weave small geometric patterns, and by extension the patterned fabric itself.

## Examples

- This shirt has a dobby pattern of tiny squares.
- The shop sells cotton shirts in plain weave and dobby with small raised dots.
- The mill specialised in dobby that looked plain from a distance but revealed fine geometric texture on close inspection.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.