What does kashmir mean?
Kashmir is a fine, soft woollen fabric historically associated with the goats of the Kashmir region and with the celebrated shawls made there. In contemporary usage, it is also an older alternative to the more common term cashmere, although those names no longer correspond to a sharply limited geographical supply. Kashmir shawls may be mentioned in descriptions of clothing, luxury weaving and traditional craftsmanship. The term has a refined and somewhat traditional association, but it is not restricted to formal wear: it can describe woollen fabric of this quality in sweaters, gloves and other garments. Because “kashmir” is less frequent than “cashmere,” readers may initially associate it more strongly with a particular type of shawl than with the fibre generally. Its historical name nevertheless remains important, since it preserves the connection between this exceptionally soft wool and the Himalayan region that first gave it international fame.
nounA fine, soft woollen fabric traditionally made from the fleece of goats associated with the Kashmir region. The term can also refer to a shawl or garment made from this material.
- A fine, soft woollen fabric traditionally associated with the fleece of goats from the Kashmir region.
- A shawl or garment made from this fabric.
"She wrapped herself in a deep-blue kashmir shawl."
"A deep-blue kashmir shawl was folded carefully in the shop."
"The gloves are made from pure kashmir and are remarkably soft."
Usually treated as an uncountable mass noun for the material; plural usage is uncommon and generally refers to individual shawls or garments.
"The collection included several antique kashmirs."
Kashmir gave its name to a celebrated wool, although the goats prized for their soft fleece live across a much wider region of Asia.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kashmir come from?
The word entered English through French cachemere, derived from the name of the region of Kashmir. That proper name comes ultimately from Sanskrit, although the deeper origin of the geographical name is uncertain. The modern English spelling kashmir reflects the regional name, while cashmere developed from the French form and later became the standard general term for the fibre and fabric.
How kashmir is actually used
The word is now less common in general English than cashmere. It is normally used as an uncountable noun when referring to the material, while the plural is uncommon.
Easily confused with kashmir
Kashmir is the older name associated with wool from the Kashmir region, whereas cashmere is now the usual term for the fine fibre and fabric obtained from cashmere goats.