ENGLISH
REFERENCE

textile

n. · adj.
US //ˈtɛkˌstaɪɫ// UK //tˈɛkstaɪl// tex·tile
  1. 1 fabric or cloth (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    any type of cloth or fabric made from fibres, like cotton or wool.

    a material made of interlacing or matted fibres, typically used for clothing, upholstery, or industrial purposes.

    Example

    The museum has a beautiful collection of ancient textiles from South America.

    Example

    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.
  2. 2 related to cloth making (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    related to making cloth or the industry that produces it.

    relating to the manufacture of cloth or the properties of fabrics.

    Example

    She is studying textile design at a famous art college in London.

    Example

    The textile industry has faced significant pressure to adopt more sustainable production methods to reduce water pollution.

    Usage

    Usually appears before a noun.
    • fabric related
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  1. 3 a non-nudist (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Slang

    a person who wears clothes at a beach or park where others are naked.

    a person who wears clothing in a nudist or naturist environment.

    Example

    The private beach was mostly for naturists, but a few textiles were walking along the shore.

    Example

    The resort policy was strictly clothing-optional, though the long-term members often felt uncomfortable when groups of textiles visited for the day.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very niche slang term used specifically within the nudist community; most English speakers will not know this meaning.
    • clothed person
Origin

Borrowed from Latin textile, substantive use of textilis (“woven”), from texō (“weave”).

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