grosgrain: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “grosgrain” mean?
A strong, closely-woven fabric, typically made of silk or rayon, characterized by prominent crosswise ribs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, closely-woven fabric, typically made of silk or rayon, characterized by prominent crosswise ribs.
Most commonly refers to a type of narrow ribbon made from this fabric, used for trimming clothing, making hatbands, and in various decorative applications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is consistent. The word is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes quality, tradition, and formality in both varieties, often associated with classic tailoring, ceremonial wear, and high-end haberdashery.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, known primarily to those involved in sewing, fashion, or costume design.
Grammar
How to Use “grosgrain” in a Sentence
[fabric/ribbon] made of grosgrain[item] trimmed with grosgrain [ribbon]a [width] grosgrain ribbonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grosgrain” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gown featured a grosgrain sash.
American English
- She preferred grosgrain ribbon for the gift wrapping.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the textile and fashion retail industries to specify a type of fabric or trimming.
Academic
May appear in historical, cultural, or material studies of textiles and fashion.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by hobbyists in sewing or crafting.
Technical
Standard term in textile manufacturing, dressmaking, and millinery for a specific weave structure.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grosgrain”
- Misspelling as 'gros grain' (two words) or 'grosgrane'.
- Mispronouncing the 's' in 'gros' (it is silent).
- Confusing it with 'grograin' or other fabrics like 'gabardine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is borrowed from French, where 'gros grain' literally means 'coarse grain', referring to the texture of the fabric.
Traditionally it is made from silk or rayon, but modern versions can be made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibres, as long as the distinctive ribbed weave is present.
Its primary use is as a stiff, decorative ribbon for trimming clothing, hats, bags, and in crafts. It is also used as a fabric for items like ties and waistbands.
Pronounce it as GROH-grayn. The 's' in 'gros' is silent, and the stress is on the first syllable.
A strong, closely-woven fabric, typically made of silk or rayon, characterized by prominent crosswise ribs.
Grosgrain is usually formal/specialist in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GROS'S (big/fat in French) GRAIN' – the fabric has big, prominent grains/ribs.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXTURE IS STRUCTURE (the ribbed texture defines the identity and function of the material).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of grosgrain fabric?