What does oilskin mean?
Oilskin is a waterproof material traditionally made by treating cotton or linen with oil; contemporary examples may instead use wax or another moisture-resistant coating. The word can refer either to the material itself or to a garment made from it, especially a coat, jacket, hat, or traditional suit of foul-weather clothing. For much of its history, oilskin was essential to sailors, fishermen, and others who worked outdoors in severe weather. It is therefore associated with durability, protection, and a slightly traditional or workmanlike character. Although modern waterproof synthetics have replaced it in many practical uses, oilskin remains familiar through maritime culture and through contemporary jackets made in the traditional style. As an adjective, it describes clothing or equipment made from this waterproof fabric.
Waterproof fabric traditionally treated with oil, or made with a comparable waterproof coating; also a garment made from this material.
"The boat's deck was covered with a large sheet of oilskin."
The material is generally uncountable when used as a substance, while countable uses refer to individual garments or pieces.
Made of or consisting of oilskin.
"She wore a yellow oilskin jacket over her sweater."
The regular plural refers to multiple garments or pieces. In British usage, 'oilskins' often means a traditional waterproof suit or set of garments worn by sailors and others working in wet conditions.
"He put on his oilskins before going out to inspect the boat."
Before synthetic rainwear, sailors relied on oilskin to stay dry through storms that seemed to come straight out of the sky.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oilskin come from?
Oilskin is a compound formed from 'oil' and 'skin'. The word dates from the early 17th century, when it referred to cloth made waterproof through oil treatment; its later use for garments followed from the material's practical protective qualities. 'Oil' ultimately comes from Latin oleum, through Old French, while 'skin' is an ancient Germanic word inherited from Old English.
Related word forms
How oilskin is actually used
Oilskin is especially associated with maritime, fishing, and outdoor work, although oilskin jackets are now also common in fashionable casual clothing. In British English, the plural 'oilskins' often denotes a traditional waterproof suit or set of garments.
Easily confused with oilskin
Oilcloth is commonly used for a coated household fabric or table covering, whereas oilskin traditionally denotes oil-treated waterproof fabric and, by extension, a garment made from it.