grass cloth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized/Formal
Quick answer
What does “grass cloth” mean?
A type of rough, plain-woven fabric traditionally made from bast fibers of grass-like plants (especially ramie) in East Asia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of rough, plain-woven fabric traditionally made from bast fibers of grass-like plants (especially ramie) in East Asia.
Refers broadly to any simple, coarse, woven fabric made from natural grasses, rushes, or similar fibers. In contemporary usage, it can also refer to wall coverings or artwork that imitate the rustic appearance of such fabrics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectal difference in meaning. The spelling 'cloth' is the same in both varieties.
Connotations
Associated with historical, ethnographic, or interior design contexts in both varieties. In the US, 'grass cloth' is a common term for a specific type of textured wall covering.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the popularity of 'grass cloth wallpaper' as a home decor item.
Grammar
How to Use “grass cloth” in a Sentence
[fashioned/crafted] from grass clothcover [something] with grass clothhang grass cloth on the wallsthe grass cloth [faded/weathered]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grass cloth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artisans would grass-cloth the screens for the traditional ceremony. (Rare, hypothetical)
American English
- They decided to grass-cloth the entire foyer. (Rare, from 'to apply grass cloth wallpaper')
adverb
British English
- The wall was covered grass-cloth style. (Very rare)
American English
- The panels were hung grass-cloth tight against the wall. (Very rare)
adjective
British English
- The grass-cloth texture added warmth to the room.
American English
- She preferred a grass-cloth look for her home office.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in interior design, home furnishing, and textile import/export businesses. E.g., 'The new line features sustainable grass cloth wallcoverings.'
Academic
Appears in historical, anthropological, and material culture studies. E.g., 'Archaeological findings included fragments of Neolithic grass cloth.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Most likely used when discussing home decor. E.g., 'We're considering grass cloth for the accent wall.'
Technical
Used in textile manufacturing, conservation, and museum studies to describe specific weaving techniques and fiber composition.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grass cloth”
- Treating 'cloth' as an uncountable noun in this compound ('a beautiful grass cloth' is correct).
- Confusing 'grass cloth' with 'linen' or 'canvas'.
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun unless it's a brand name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, from plants like ramie, hemp, or rush. Modern 'grass cloth' wallpaper often uses a blend of natural fibers (like jute or sisal) on a paper or vinyl backing, but retains the name for its aesthetic.
It is very uncommon. 'Grass cloth' refers primarily to a type of fabric used for wall coverings, screens, or handicrafts, not for garments.
Both are coarse, natural fabrics. Burlap is typically made from jute and is looser woven, often used for sacks. Grass cloth is traditionally made from other grasses (like ramie) and is associated with East Asian crafts and wall coverings.
It requires careful maintenance. Usually, only gentle dusting with a soft brush or dry cloth is recommended, as moisture can stain or damage the natural fibers. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.
A type of rough, plain-woven fabric traditionally made from bast fibers of grass-like plants (especially ramie) in East Asia.
Grass cloth is usually specialized/formal in register.
Grass cloth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɑːs ˌklɒθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræs ˌklɔːθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable. 'Grass cloth' does not form common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **cloth** made of **grass** hanging on a wall. It's not a lawn, it's a lawn-covering.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURAL MATERIAL IS AUTHENTICITY / SIMPLICITY IS BEAUTY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'grass cloth' MOST commonly used today?