aida: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˈaɪ.də/US/ˈaɪ.də/

Technical / Hobbyist

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Quick answer

What does “aida” mean?

A type of evenweave fabric with a natural mesh, commonly used for cross-stitch embroidery.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A type of evenweave fabric with a natural mesh, commonly used for cross-stitch embroidery.

Often used metonymically to refer to cross-stitch embroidery kits or projects themselves, or the craft of cross-stitch.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is an international term within the craft community.

Connotations

Purely technical/connotative of crafting and hobbies.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both dialects, used almost exclusively in crafting contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “aida” in a Sentence

stitch [pattern] on aidause aida for [project]choose aida in [colour]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Aida clothstitch on Aida14-count Aidawhite Aida
medium
piece of Aidaevenweave Aidaembroidery Aida
weak
buy Aidawork on AidaAida fabric

Examples

Examples of “aida” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The Aida fabric was stiff.
  • She preferred an Aida base for her sampler.

American English

  • The Aida cloth is sold by the yard.
  • He bought an Aida kit for beginners.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, used in the textile or craft supply industry.

Academic

Rare, potentially in textile studies or material culture.

Everyday

Very rare, only among craft enthusiasts.

Technical

Standard term in embroidery, cross-stitch, and needlecraft instructions.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “aida”

Strong

Aida cloth

Neutral

evenweavecross-stitch fabric

Weak

canvasembroidery fabric

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “aida”

plain weavebroadclothlinen (for embroidery)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “aida”

  • Misspelling as 'AIDa', 'Ada', or 'Aidia'.
  • Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will aida this').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, originally a trademark for a specific evenweave fabric by Zweigart, but it is now used generically for similar fabrics.

The 'count' refers to the number of holes (or squares) per linear inch. A higher count means smaller stitches.

It is designed for counted-thread work like cross-stitch. Other techniques like surface embroidery are typically done on different fabrics.

Yes. Aida has a very distinct, blocky weave where threads are grouped, creating obvious squares. Other evenweaves like linen have single, uniformly spaced threads.

A type of evenweave fabric with a natural mesh, commonly used for cross-stitch embroidery.

Aida is usually technical / hobbyist in register.

Aida: in British English it is pronounced /ˈaɪ.də/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈaɪ.də/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None. It is a technical noun.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'AID-A' stitch: this fabric AIDS you in making perfect cross-stitches.

Conceptual Metaphor

CANVAS (It serves as the foundational grid/background for creative work).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For cross-stitch, beginners are often advised to start with a 14-count fabric.
Multiple Choice

What is 'Aida' primarily used for?