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

Additionally, fires that start in the kitchen can spread quickly, as many flammable items like linens and cooking oil are nearby. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024

The red linen and woodwall sculpture is by Gérald Lajoie from Pangée Gallery in Montreal. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 4 Nov. 2024

Rem uses a heavier-weight linen to keep berries firm and mushrooms from turning to slime. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

Instead, wash just a few at a time and fill the rest of the washer drum with smaller linens and clothing items. —Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024

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