What does textile mean?
Textile is a formal word for fabric, cloth, or other materials made by processes such as weaving and knitting. As a noun, it can refer to a particular material, to textile goods collectively, or, in the plural, to the wider textile industry and its products. As an adjective, “textile” commonly describes factories, mills, workers, products, and businesses connected with making or selling fabrics. The word is more technical and institutional than everyday terms such as “cloth,” which makes it especially common in manufacturing, fashion, design, trade, and industrial language. Its connotations are generally practical and professional rather than decorative or emotional, although it also appears in discussions of craft, cultural traditions, and textile production. The word ultimately derives from Latin texere, “to weave,” reflecting the ancient craft at the center of textile manufacture.
A fabric, cloth, or other material made by weaving, knitting, or a similar manufacturing process; textile goods considered collectively.
"The workshop specializes in textiles woven from natural fibres."
The singular often denotes a type or piece of textile material, while the plural commonly denotes textile products or the industry collectively.
Relating to, consisting of, or concerned with the manufacture or use of textiles.
"The company operates a textile factory in the region."
This adjectival use is especially common in industrial, commercial, and manufacturing contexts.
The plural commonly refers to textile products collectively or to the textile industry.
"These traditional textiles are made by hand using locally sourced yarn."
Textile comes from the Latin verb texere, meaning “to weave,” so its history is literally woven into its name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does textile come from?
Textile entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin adjective textilis, meaning “woven” or “woven into cloth.” Latin textilis was formed from texere, “to weave,” the same root found in words such as text, texture, and context. The modern word originally referred to woven cloth and later broadened to include other manufactured materials treated under the textile industry.
Related word forms
How textile is actually used
“Textile” is more formal and technical than “fabric” or “cloth.” In the singular it usually refers to a type or piece of material, while the plural “textiles” often denotes textile products collectively or refers to the industry. The adjective is especially common in commercial and industrial contexts.
Easily confused with textile
A textile is the material itself, whereas texture refers to the surface quality or feel of something.