What does manila mean?
Manila denotes a tough, flexible fibre obtained from abaca, a tropical plant whose fibres were historically important in rope making. The material became associated with the Philippine capital, then a major port for exporting abaca, and the name came to refer both to the fibre and to the durable, slightly yellowed paper made from it. Manila rope was widely used for shipping and other purposes requiring strength and resistance to the elements, while manila paper became standard for folders, envelopes, and wrapping material. The word can also identify the iridescent shell of an abalone, valued for jewellery and decorative objects. In modern English, manila is encountered chiefly in names such as manila paper, manila rope, and manila envelope. It is also the source of the familiar description “manila envelope,” although most modern envelopes are made from other papers. As an adjective, manila means made from or resembling the characteristic abaca fibre or shell.
A strong fibre obtained from abaca; a tough paper made from that fibre; or an abalone shell.
"He tied the package with manila and addressed it by hand."
The fibre and paper senses are now chiefly historical or traditional, while the shell remains a specialized jewellery and decorative term.
Made from or resembling manila fibre, paper, or abalone shell.
"The documents were stored in a sturdy manila folder."
Usually plural when referring to abalone shells; the material and paper senses are ordinarily used in the singular or attributively.
"The jeweller displayed several polished manilas."
The name manila links a familiar roll of tough paper to the Philippine capital that was a major port for the abaca trade.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does manila come from?
The word comes from Manila, the capital of the Philippines and historically a principal centre for trading abaca fibre. Manila rope, made from the plant's fibres, acquired the name of the port through which the material was traded. Lowercase manila subsequently developed as an English material term for the fibre, its paper, and, independently, the abalone shell.
How manila is actually used
The material term is normally lowercase, even when it refers to a product originating in the Philippines. The place name Manila is always capitalized. The term is chiefly historical or specialized today, although manila paper and manila envelopes remain familiar.
Easily confused with manila
Manila with a capital M is the capital of the Philippines, whereas lowercase manila names the fibre, paper, and abalone shell associated with the Philippines.