cheribon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Extremely Rare
UK/ˈtʃɛrɪbɒn/US/ˈtʃɛrɪbɑːn/

Specialist / Technical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “cheribon” mean?

A type of Indonesian batik fabric originating from the town of Cirebon (formerly Cheribon) on the island of Java, known for its specific patterns and colours.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A type of Indonesian batik fabric originating from the town of Cirebon (formerly Cheribon) on the island of Java, known for its specific patterns and colours.

Refers specifically to a style of hand-drawn wax-resist (batik tulis) cloth from the Cirebon region, often featuring motifs influenced by Chinese, Islamic, and indigenous Javanese cultures, such as the lion-like "Singa Barong" or cloud patterns.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in usage. The term is equally specialised in both varieties.

Connotations

Connotes expertise in textiles, traditional crafts, or Indonesian culture.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in general language; appears almost exclusively in academic or artisanal contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “cheribon” in a Sentence

[Noun] is a fine example of Cheribon.The museum acquired a [Adjective] Cheribon.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Cheribon batikCheribon clothCheribon design
medium
traditional Cheribonantique CheribonCheribon from Java
weak
beautiful Cheribonauthentic Cheribonpiece of Cheribon

Examples

Examples of “cheribon” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The Cheribon patterns were remarkably detailed.
  • It was a classic Cheribon design.

American English

  • The Cheribon motifs were strikingly vibrant.
  • She specialised in Cheribon textiles.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in niche commerce related to ethnic arts, crafts, and luxury textiles.

Academic

Used in studies of material culture, textile history, and Southeast Asian art.

Everyday

Virtually unknown and unused in everyday conversation.

Technical

Used precisely in textile classification, conservation, and art history.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “cheribon”

Strong

Cirebon-style batik

Neutral

Cirebon batikbatik tulis from Cirebon

Weak

Indonesian batikJavanese batik

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “cheribon”

machine-printed textilemass-produced fabric

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “cheribon”

  • Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a cheribon' instead of 'a Cheribon' or 'Cheribon batik').
  • Misspelling as 'Cheribon' when referring to the modern city name 'Cirebon'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Cheribon refers specifically to batik made in the Cirebon region of Java, with distinct patterns and cultural influences, often considered a subtype or specific style of the broader batik tradition.

No. Using 'Cheribon' generically is incorrect and misleading. It is a proper noun tied to a specific geographical and cultural origin within Indonesia.

It is pronounced CHERR-i-bon, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'ch' is pronounced as in 'chair'.

It is a highly specific technical term from the domain of textile arts and cultural heritage. It has not entered general vocabulary because the object it describes is not commonplace outside specialist circles.

A type of Indonesian batik fabric originating from the town of Cirebon (formerly Cheribon) on the island of Java, known for its specific patterns and colours.

Cheribon is usually specialist / technical in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a CHERIshable BONd with a beautiful, intricate cloth from the town of Cirebon (Cheribon).

Conceptual Metaphor

Cheribon is a MAP OF CULTURE (its patterns represent a confluence of Chinese, Islamic, and local influences).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The in the museum's collection is renowned for its unique cloud and lion motifs.
Multiple Choice

What is Cheribon?