broadtail: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized/Technical (Fashion, Textiles), Formal
Quick answer
What does “broadtail” mean?
A type of fur or leather made from the pelts of young karakul lambs, characterized by a flat, silky texture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of fur or leather made from the pelts of young karakul lambs, characterized by a flat, silky texture.
May refer to the sheep breed (karakul) that produces this fur. Can also be used as a modifier to describe items (e.g., coats, hats) made from this material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes luxury, expense, and a specific type of material in both varieties. Its use may carry ethical connotations related to the fur industry.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both BrE and AmE, encountered primarily in niche domains.
Grammar
How to Use “broadtail” in a Sentence
[be made of] + broadtail[crafted from] + broadtail[adjective] + broadtail + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broadtail” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She admired the broadtail collar on the vintage coat.
- It was a broadtail-trimmed gown for the gala.
American English
- He purchased a broadtail vest for a formal event.
- The designer is known for her broadtail accessories.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the luxury goods or fur trade: 'The autumn collection features several broadtail pieces.'
Academic
In textile or fashion history studies: 'The article examines the use of broadtail in 1930s couture.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in furrier/tanner terminology: 'The pelt is processed to maintain the distinctive broadtail pattern.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broadtail”
- Misspelling as 'broad tale'.
- Using it as a general term for any lamb's wool or fur.
- Confusing it with 'astrakhan', which refers to the tightly curled fur from older karakul lambs.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both come from karakul sheep, but broadtail comes from prematurely born or very young lambs and has a flat, silky appearance. Astrakhan comes from newborn lambs a few days old and has a tight, curly pattern.
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively within the contexts of luxury fashion, fur trading, and textile history.
Rarely. It primarily denotes the material. The sheep breed is called the 'karakul' or 'broadtail sheep' in specific husbandry contexts.
This is a subject of debate. The production of broadtail fur is controversial and criticized by animal rights groups, leading many designers and consumers to seek alternatives.
A type of fur or leather made from the pelts of young karakul lambs, characterized by a flat, silky texture.
Broadtail is usually specialized/technical (fashion, textiles), formal in register.
Broadtail: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɔːdteɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɑːdteɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a lamb with a BROAD (wide, flat) TAIL, which describes the flat, sleek appearance of this specific type of fur.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL FOR SOCIAL STATUS (Broadtail fur is a concrete representation of luxury, exclusivity, and high economic standing).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'broadtail' primarily?