# linen

/ˈɫɪnən/ (US) · /lˈɪnɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/linen
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. flax fabric

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. household textiles

noun · CEFR B2

household items like bed sheets, pillowcases, and tablecloths.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. made of linen

adjective · CEFR B2

describes something made from flax cloth.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. pale beige color

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a very pale, yellowish-grey or beige color.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She wore a light linen dress to the beach.
- The hotel staff changes the bed linen every morning to ensure a fresh experience for the guests.
- Prized for its exceptional breathability and durability in humid climates, linen remains a staple of high-end summer tailoring despite its tendency to wrinkle easily.

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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.