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crepon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very low
UK/ˈkrɛpɒn/US/ˈkreɪpɑːn/ or /ˈkrɛpɑːn/

Technical (fashion, textiles)

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Quick answer

What does “crepon” mean?

A type of fabric, typically silk, wool, or rayon, characterized by a crinkled or crimped surface texture.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A type of fabric, typically silk, wool, or rayon, characterized by a crinkled or crimped surface texture.

In garment or fabric terminology, it refers to a heavyweight crêpe, often used for blouses, dresses, and formal wear due to its elegant drape and texture.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. Spelling remains the same. The term is equally rare in both varieties.

Connotations

Conveys a sense of luxury, formal wear, and specific textile knowledge in both regions.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both the UK and US. Used almost exclusively within fashion, tailoring, and textile industries.

Grammar

How to Use “crepon” in a Sentence

[fabric/material] made of crepona [garment] in crepon

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
silk creponwool creponcrepon dresscrepon blouse
medium
heavy creponprinted crepondrape of crepon
weak
blue creponexpensive creponsummer crepon

Examples

Examples of “crepon” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The crepon suit was perfect for the autumn wedding.
  • She preferred the drape of a crepon skirt.

American English

  • The designer's new line features several crepon jackets.
  • We sourced a beautiful midnight blue crepon fabric.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in the garment trade for specifying materials in manufacturing or purchasing.

Academic

May appear in texts on textile history, fashion design, or material culture studies.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation.

Technical

The primary context: precise description in fashion design, pattern-making, and textile catalogues.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “crepon”

Strong

crinkled fabric

Neutral

heavy crêpetextured fabric

Weak

crêpe (broader term)gauze (different texture)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “crepon”

plain weavesmooth fabricsatinpoplin

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “crepon”

  • Misspelling as 'crepen', 'creppon', or 'craypon'.
  • Using it as a general term for any crinkly material.
  • Pronouncing it like the food 'crêpe' /kreɪp/ in all contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are related but not identical. Crepon is a heavier, stiffer variety of crêpe fabric.

It is highly unlikely and would sound very technical. Most native speakers would simply say 'a crinkly fabric' or 'heavy crepe'.

It is traditionally used for formal blouses, dresses, suits, and evening wear where a structured yet textured drape is desired.

The most common American pronunciation is /ˈkreɪpɑːn/ (KRAY-pahn), though /ˈkrɛpɑːn/ (KREP-ahn) is also heard, especially in industry contexts.

A type of fabric, typically silk, wool, or rayon, characterized by a crinkled or crimped surface texture.

Crepon is usually technical (fashion, textiles) in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “None. The word is too technical for idiomatic use.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a French CREPE (the pancake) with a heavy PONcho over it. CREPE + PONcho = CREPON, a heavy, textured fabric.

Conceptual Metaphor

FABRIC IS SKIN (it has texture, drape, and weight).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For her mother-of-the-bride outfit, she chose a stylish dress made of silk for its elegant texture.
Multiple Choice

What is the defining characteristic of crepon fabric?

crepon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore