What does jacquard mean?
Jacquard refers to fabric with elaborate patterns woven directly into its structure, rather than patterns applied afterward by printing or embroidery. The technique takes its name from the Jacquard mechanism, a system of punched cards and hooks that controls individual warp threads and enables complex repeating designs. In everyday usage, jacquard is most often an adjective describing a fabric, as in jacquard upholstery, curtains, or formal clothing. It carries a refined association with craftsmanship, texture, and decorative sophistication, although the word does not necessarily imply that a fabric is luxurious. Jacquard is also used technically for the loom mechanism and for patterned textiles produced by it. The term can be confused with brocade or damask because those fabrics may also feature woven patterns, but jacquard specifically identifies a method of weaving rather than a single traditional pattern style.
A fabric woven with intricate patterns using a jacquard mechanism; also, less commonly, the mechanism or loom itself.
"The designer chose a richly patterned jacquard for the evening gown."
The countable use is relatively uncommon compared with attributive use; the word often functions almost as a material category.
Denoting a fabric or design whose pattern is woven into the material by a jacquard mechanism.
"A jacquard pattern gave the upholstered chair its formal appearance."
This adjective is normally used attributively, before a noun such as fabric, weave, pattern, or upholstery.
The plural is grammatical but relatively uncommon; jacquard is often used attributively or in a general material sense.
"The collection includes several ornate jacquards from the early twentieth century."
Jacquard weaving was revolutionized by a French inventor who used punched cards to control the pattern mechanism—early programmable technology in a loom.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jacquard come from?
The word comes from French jacquard, the surname of the French inventor Jean-Marie Jacquard, whose loom mechanism used punched cards to control the weaving of complex designs. English adopted the term in the nineteenth century for both the mechanism and fabrics made with it. The name ultimately commemorates Jacquard rather than deriving from a broader Latin or Greek root.
How jacquard is actually used
In modern English, jacquard is commonly used attributively, especially in fashion, interiors, and textile descriptions. It is also used as a countable noun for a particular jacquard fabric, though the plural is relatively uncommon.