What does georgette mean?
Georgette is a lightweight, sheer textile known for its softly crinkled surface. It is woven from silk, wool, or synthetic fibres and is commonly used for dresses, blouses, scarves, curtains, and other garments where an elegant, flowing appearance is wanted. The name is also a traditional feminine given name, so “Georgette” can refer to a person as well as the material. In sewing and fashion contexts, “georgette” usually functions as a mass noun: one speaks of a metre of georgette or a dress made from georgette. Although the fabric is related in appearance to crepe, the term is not a generic name for every crepe textile; its traditional association with fine, transparent silk helps explain why it carries a refined, feminine, and slightly luxurious connotation. Knowing the word enriches descriptions of delicate clothing and decorative interiors while distinguishing an airy dress fabric from a sturdy everyday cloth.
A lightweight, sheer fabric with a finely crinkled texture, traditionally made from silk and now also from wool or synthetic fibres.
"The designer used georgette for the sleeves and collar."
The material is usually treated as a mass noun, though the plural is used for separate pieces or fabrics.
A feminine given name derived from the name George.
"Georgette was delighted by the handmade scarf."
The given name is normally capitalized.
The plural is occasional and usually refers to distinct pieces or types of the fabric rather than to an amount measured in metres.
"The shop displayed vintage georgettes beside silk scarves."
A feminine form of George became the name of a fabric prized for being light, sheer, and softly crinkled.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does georgette come from?
The English word was borrowed from French georgette, a feminine diminutive or form of the name George. George comes through Latin Georgius from Ancient Greek Georgios, derived from geōrgos, meaning “farmer” or “husbandman.” The textile name entered English in the early 19th century and was associated with a fine, lightweight fabric before becoming established for sheer, crinkled silk and synthetic cloth.
Related word forms
How georgette is actually used
When referring to the textile, georgette is normally a mass noun, as in a metre of georgette. Capitalization usually distinguishes the feminine given name from the material.
Easily confused with georgette
A gorget is a piece of armor protecting the neck or throat, or a decorative neckband; georgette is a sheer, crinkled fabric.