English Reference

Word

linen

US/ˈɫɪnən/

UK/lˈɪnɪn/

Definitions

01flax fabric

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a strong cloth made from the fibers of the flax plant, often used for summer clothes.

n. a durable textile woven from the fibers of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Uncountable in this material sense.

“He wore a light linen suit to stay cool during the outdoor wedding.”

“The designer preferred working with pure linen because of its exceptional breathability and the characteristic texture it develops after several washes.”

Synonyms

02household textiles

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. household items like bed sheets, pillowcases, and tablecloths.

n. a collective term for domestic textiles such as bedding, towels, and table coverings. Often used in the plural 'linens' in American English.

“We need to change the bed linen before the guests arrive this evening.”

“The hotel prides itself on using high-thread-count linen to ensure maximum comfort for its international clientele.”

Synonyms

03made of linen

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. describes something made from flax cloth.

adj. composed of or pertaining to linen fabric. Non-gradable; typically used attributively before a noun.

“She placed a linen napkin next to each plate on the table.”

“The archive contains several linen bandages recovered from the excavation site, remarkably well-preserved despite the humid conditions.”

04pale beige color

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technical

n. a very pale, yellowish-grey or beige color.

n. a specific pale hue resembling the natural, undyed state of flax fiber.

“The walls were painted a soft linen to make the room feel brighter.”

“The interior decorator suggested a linen palette for the upholstery to maintain a neutral, sophisticated atmosphere in the lounge.”

Synonyms

beigeflaxencream

Real-World Examples

“The most important thing is that your bedding is made from cotton or linen (anything human-made gets hot and cloying), fits your bed properly and is changed regularly.”
The Guardian 3 Sept 2022
“Nothing comes close to the soft, relaxed drape of this 100% linen tablecloth.”
The New York Times 1 Dec 2020
“Once I read in a women’s magazine that a woman should always have fresh flowers, white wine and clean linens if she wants to be truly happy.”
The Guardian 3 Oct 2015
“She's been working on her linen dress for over a year and still has a ways to go.”
NPR 12 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English lynnen, lynen, from Old English līnen (“linen", "made of flax”), from Proto-West Germanic līnīn (“made of flax”), from Proto-Germanic līną (“flax”), from Proto-Indo-European *līno- (“flax”), equivalent to line + -en. Cognate with Latin līnum (“flax”) and thus also Linum. More at line.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/linen

English Reference