linen

1 of 2

adjective

lin·​en ˈli-nən 

1

: made of flax

2

: made of or resembling linen

linen

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster

b

: thread or yarn spun from flax

2

: clothing or household articles made of linen cloth or similar fabric

3

: paper made from linen fibers or with a linen finish

Examples of linen in a Sentence

Noun

She washes the linen every week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Melania flirted with the idea of launching other product lines—in children’s clothing, furniture and linens. —Dan Alexander, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2025

However, keeping these appliances in mint condition is the secret to maximizing the longevity of your clothing, linens, and other washable household items. —Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2025

If the trouser leggings feel too extreme at this time, slightly more relaxed—though still slim—trousers were also shown on the runway in classic fabrics like cotton, linen, and twill from labels such as Acne Studios and Loewe. —Jana Ackermann, Glamour, 30 Jan. 2025

Foster was tanned and wearing a pale linen suit, navy loafers, and mustard-yellow socks. —Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English līnen, from līn flax, from Latin linum flax; akin to Greek linon flax, thread

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing linen

• bed linen(s)
• table linen

Kids Definition

linen

noun

lin·​en

ˈlin-ən

1

: smooth strong cloth or yarn made from flax

2

: household articles (as tablecloths or sheets) or clothing (as shirts or underwear) that were once often made of linen

linen adjective