# textile

/ˈtɛkˌstaɪɫ/ (US) · /tˈɛkstaɪl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. fabric or cloth

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. related to cloth making

adjective · CEFR B2

related to making cloth or the industry that produces it.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a non-nudist

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The museum has a beautiful collection of ancient textiles.
- The city was once a major hub for the textile industry, with dozens of mills producing cotton cloth.
- Advances in synthetic fibers have allowed the textile sector to produce fabrics that are not only waterproof but also highly breathable for extreme weather conditions.

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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.