charmeuse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, specialized; used chiefly in fashion, textiles, and luxury retail contexts.
Quick answer
What does “charmeuse” mean?
A soft, lightweight, semi-lustrous fabric, typically satin-faced and crepe-backed, often made from silk or synthetic fibers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, lightweight, semi-lustrous fabric, typically satin-faced and crepe-backed, often made from silk or synthetic fibers.
Used metonymically to refer to clothing (especially lingerie, blouses, or evening gowns) or bedding made from this fabric. Connotes luxury, drape, and a smooth, sensuous texture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. The term is used identically in professional fashion/textile circles in both regions.
Connotations
Associated with high-end fashion, lingerie, and evening wear in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard within the relevant industries.
Grammar
How to Use “charmeuse” in a Sentence
[made of/from] charmeuse[fabric/garment] [in/of] charmeusecharmeuse [noun] (e.g., dress, sheets)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “charmeuse” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The designer sourced a heavy silk charmeuse for the evening coat.
- These pyjamas are lined with the finest charmeuse.
American English
- Her wedding dress was made of ivory silk charmeuse.
- We sell charmeuse in a variety of solid colors.
adjective
British English
- She preferred a charmeuse slip for its comfort.
- The charmeuse bedding set felt incredibly luxurious.
American English
- The store carries a lovely charmeuse robe.
- Look for the charmeuse finish on the right side of the fabric.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion manufacturing, textile sourcing, and luxury retail product descriptions.
Academic
Found in texts on textile history, fabric technology, and fashion design.
Everyday
Rare; might appear in high-end clothing catalogs or bedding descriptions.
Technical
A specific weave/Finish classification in textiles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “charmeuse”
- Misspelling as 'charmuese' or 'charmuse'.
- Using as a countable noun for a single item (e.g., 'a charmeuse' is atypical; prefer 'a charmeuse blouse').
- Confusing it with 'chiffon' or 'habotai'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Traditional charmeuse is silk, but modern versions are often made from synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon, or acetate, which are more affordable and easier to care for.
It typically requires delicate handling. Silk charmeuse often needs dry cleaning, while synthetic versions may be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Always check the care label.
Charmeuse is a specific type of satin weave, but it is generally lighter in weight and has a crepe (matte, slightly pebbled) back, whereas other satins may have a similar glossy finish on both sides or a different backing.
Rarely. Its lightweight and delicate nature makes it unsuitable for high-wear applications like furniture. It is primarily used for apparel, lingerie, and bedding.
A soft, lightweight, semi-lustrous fabric, typically satin-faced and crepe-backed, often made from silk or synthetic fibers.
Charmeuse is usually formal, specialized; used chiefly in fashion, textiles, and luxury retail contexts. in register.
Charmeuse: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɑːˈmɜːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɑːrˈmuːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'charm' + 'ease' = a fabric that charms with its luxurious ease and smoothness.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS SMOOTHNESS / ELEGANCE IS FLUIDITY
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of charmeuse fabric?