What does tulle mean?
Tulle is a lightweight, transparent textile distinguished by its fine, regular mesh. Traditionally woven from silk, modern tulle is also widely made from synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester. Its delicacy and sheerness make it especially useful for veils, wedding accessories, ballet costumes, and decorative layers in formal clothing. The fabric can appear plain, dotted, embroidered, sparkling, or metallic, allowing it to range from understated drapery to theatrical ornament. Tulle is often associated with elegance, romance, and formal occasions, although its synthetic forms are also used in inexpensive costumes and everyday fashion. The word comes from French and ultimately refers to Tulle, a town in central France renowned for its lace industry. The name was adopted in English during the early nineteenth century, when fine silk netting became fashionable for dressmaking and veils.
nounTulle is a lightweight, transparent fabric with a fine mesh, traditionally woven from silk and now also made from synthetic fibers. It is commonly used for veils, skirts, sleeves, and decorative layers in clothing.
- A fine, transparent textile with a lightweight mesh, traditionally made of silk and now also made from synthetic fibers.
- A veil, garment, or decorative layer made from this fabric.
"The ballerina's tutu was made from layers of delicate white tulle."
"She wore a short veil of soft tulle over her face."
"The designer finished the gown with several layers of sparkling tulle."
The plural is used for separate pieces or layers of tulle; the fabric itself is normally an uncountable mass noun.
"The costume included several tulles of increasing length."
Tulle is a fabric named after Tulle, a town in central France that became famous for producing fine lace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tulle come from?
English borrowed the word from French tulle in the early nineteenth century. The French term refers to the city of Tulle in central France, which was noted for its manufacture of lace and netting. The English word initially denoted a fine silk net and was later extended to similar fabrics made from other fibers.
How tulle is actually used
Tulle is common in fashion, costume, and dressmaking contexts. It is usually treated as a mass noun when referring to the fabric, while the plural form is used for separate pieces or layers.