cretonne: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Technical (Interior Design / Furnishings)
Quick answer
What does “cretonne” mean?
A strong, heavy cotton fabric, often with a printed pattern, used especially for curtains and upholstery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, heavy cotton fabric, often with a printed pattern, used especially for curtains and upholstery.
While the core meaning refers to a specific type of fabric, the term can be used more generally to refer to any heavy, printed furnishing fabric that resembles traditional cretonne, regardless of exact fibre content.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in denotation. The word is equally used (though rarely) in both varieties for the same textile product.
Connotations
In both regions, it often evokes a traditional, possibly Victorian or country-style aesthetic rather than modern minimalist design.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both the UK and US. It is a specialist term most likely encountered in fabric shops, interior design catalogues, or historical descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “cretonne” in a Sentence
[made of] + cretonne[upholstered/covered/draped] + in + cretonnecretonne + [curtains/chair/sofa]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cretonne” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The cretonne drapes added a homely feel to the cottage.
- She preferred a cretonne look for her summer house.
American English
- The cretonne slipcovers were perfect for the sunroom.
- They chose a cretonne pattern for the window treatments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the textile trade, interior design business, and antique furniture restoration.
Academic
Appears in historical studies of material culture, textile history, or period interior design.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by someone with a specific interest in sewing, upholstery, or vintage home decor.
Technical
A precise term in textile classification and interior design specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cretonne”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cretonne”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cretonne”
- Misspelling as 'cretin' (which is a derogatory term for a foolish person).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈkriːtɒn/ (KREE-ton) instead of /krɛˈtɒn/ (kre-TON).
- Using it to refer to any curtain fabric instead of specifically a heavy, printed cotton.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cretonne is primarily used for making curtains, drapes, and for upholstering furniture like chairs and sofas.
It is less common in contemporary minimalist design but remains popular in traditional, country, or vintage-inspired interior decor.
Both are printed cotton furnishing fabrics. Chintz is typically glazed (given a shiny finish), while cretonne is usually unglazed and often heavier.
The word is of French origin, named after the village of Creton in Normandy, which was once a notable manufacturing centre for this type of cloth.
A strong, heavy cotton fabric, often with a printed pattern, used especially for curtains and upholstery.
Cretonne is usually formal / technical (interior design / furnishings) in register.
Cretonne: in British English it is pronounced /krɛˈtɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /krɛˈtɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CRETONNE CURTAINS' - both words start with 'C' and refer to heavy, traditional home furnishings.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly concrete noun with little metaphorical extension)
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of cretonne?