Word
textile
Phoneticstex·tile, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɛkˌstaɪɫ/
UK/tˈɛkstaɪl/
Definitions
01fabric or cloth
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. any type of cloth or fabric made from fibres, like cotton or wool.
n. a material made of interlacing or matted fibres, typically used for clothing, upholstery, or industrial purposes.
“The museum has a beautiful collection of ancient textiles from South America.”
“The region's economy relies heavily on the export of high-quality textiles, particularly organic cotton and silk blends.”
Usage
Often used in the plural form 'textiles' when referring to the industry or a collection of materials.
02related to cloth making
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. related to making cloth or the industry that produces it.
adj. relating to the manufacture of cloth or the properties of fabrics.
“She is studying textile design at a famous art college in London.”
“The textile industry has faced significant pressure to adopt more sustainable production methods to reduce water pollution.”
Usage
Usually appears before a noun.
Synonyms
03a non-nudist
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal · Slang
n. a person who wears clothes at a beach or park where others are naked.
n. a person who wears clothing in a nudist or naturist environment.
“The private beach was mostly for naturists, but a few textiles were walking along the shore.”
“The resort policy was strictly clothing-optional, though the long-term members often felt uncomfortable when groups of textiles visited for the day.”
Teaching tip
This is a very niche slang term used specifically within the nudist community; most English speakers will not know this meaning.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“It might also have been about textiles and their need for cotton.” “Most textile designers sit behind a designer and never get a mention.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin textile, substantive use of textilis (“woven”), from texō (“weave”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
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englishreference.com/q/textile