angora: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral, with specific technical use in textiles and fashion
Quick answer
What does “angora” mean?
A breed of domestic animals (especially rabbit or goat) with long, soft, silky hair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of domestic animals (especially rabbit or goat) with long, soft, silky hair.
The yarn or fabric (e.g., wool, mohair) made from the hair of these animals, or an item of clothing (e.g., a sweater) made from it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
Both varieties associate the word with luxury, softness, and warmth, but also potential delicacy in care.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse, with comparable use in specific contexts like knitting, fashion, and animal husbandry.
Grammar
How to Use “angora” in a Sentence
[material] made of angora[garment] in angoraan angora [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angora” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She wore a delicate angora cardigan.
- The angora blend was surprisingly warm.
American English
- He bought her an angora scarf.
- The fabric had an angora softness to it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in textile manufacturing and fashion retail to specify material content and quality.
Academic
Appears in texts on animal breeds, textile history, or material science.
Everyday
Most common when discussing clothing materials, knitting, or pet rabbits.
Technical
Precise term in animal husbandry for specific breeds and in textiles for fibre classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “angora”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “angora”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angora”
- Using 'angora' as a general term for any soft wool (it is specific). Misspelling as 'angorra' or 'angoria'. Incorrect pluralisation (usually uncountable for the material; 'angoras' can refer to multiple rabbits).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Angora typically refers to fibre from the Angora rabbit. Mohair comes from the Angora goat. Both are luxurious but distinct fibres.
High-quality, well-processed angora is famously soft and not itchy. However, blends or lower quality fibres might cause irritation for some with sensitive skin.
Angora requires delicate care. Hand-washing in cool water with mild detergent and laying flat to dry is usually recommended to prevent shrinking or matting.
Capitalised 'Angora' often refers specifically to the breeds (Angora rabbit, Angora cat, Angora goat) or historically to Ankara. Lowercase 'angora' usually refers to the fibre or material made from it.
A breed of domestic animals (especially rabbit or goat) with long, soft, silky hair.
Angora is usually neutral, with specific technical use in textiles and fashion in register.
Angora: in British English it is pronounced /aŋˈɡɔːrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /æŋˈɡɔrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ANGORA as an ANIMAL with GORGEOUS, LONG hair (the 'ORA' sounds like 'aura' of fluff).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOFTNESS IS LUXURY (Angora embodies the metaphor where extreme softness maps onto a luxurious, desirable commodity).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'angora' primarily derived from?