chenille: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Specialised, formal (textiles, fashion, interior design); occasionally informal.
Quick answer
What does “chenille” mean?
A type of fabric or yarn with a soft, fuzzy pile.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of fabric or yarn with a soft, fuzzy pile.
Can refer to fabric, yarn, or items (like upholstery, throws, robes) made from this material; metaphorically describes something soft and velvety in texture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. UK usage may be slightly more associated with craft and soft furnishings, while US usage extends to casual clothing (e.g., chenille sweaters).
Connotations
Luxury, cosiness, tactile comfort, dated elegance (esp. for vintage fabrics).
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse; higher in specific domains like interior design, fashion, and crafts.
Grammar
How to Use “chenille” in a Sentence
[made] of chenille[upholstered] in chenille[woven] from chenilleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chenille” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The chenille upholstery gave the Chesterfield a traditional feel.
- She preferred a chenille dressing gown for winter.
American English
- The chenille sweater was perfect for a chilly evening.
- They chose a chenille rug for the nursery.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In textile manufacturing and retail descriptions.
Academic
In textile history, material culture studies.
Everyday
Describing soft furnishings or clothing.
Technical
Specifying yarn construction (a core yarn with short length pile).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chenille”
- Spelling: 'chenile', 'shenille'.
- Pronunciation: /ˈtʃɛnɪl/ (hard 'ch').
- Using as a general term for any soft fabric.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Chenille is made from short lengths of yarn (pile) twisted around a core, creating a fuzzy surface. Velvet has a denser, cut pile woven into a backing.
It often requires gentle washing or dry cleaning, as the pile can be delicate and may shed or distort with harsh treatment.
Yes, it is used for sweaters, cardigans, robes, and loungewear, prized for its softness and warmth.
It comes from the French word for 'caterpillar', due to the fabric's resemblance to the insect's hairy body.
A type of fabric or yarn with a soft, fuzzy pile.
Chenille is usually specialised, formal (textiles, fashion, interior design); occasionally informal. in register.
Chenille: in British English it is pronounced /ʃəˈniːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃəˈniːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Chenille' sounds like 'she kneel' on a soft, fuzzy rug.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOFTNESS IS A FUZZY CATERPILLAR (from the French word for caterpillar).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of chenille?