hopsack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical (Textiles/Fashion)
Quick answer
What does “hopsack” mean?
A coarse, open, basket-weave fabric traditionally made from flax, hemp, jute, or wool.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A coarse, open, basket-weave fabric traditionally made from flax, hemp, jute, or wool.
1) The coarse fabric itself, used for clothing, sacks, or upholstery. 2) A garment (e.g., a suit jacket) made from this fabric. 3) By extension, a style of weaving that creates a checkered texture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a rough, durable, often natural fabric associated with rustic or classic tailoring.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist domains.
Grammar
How to Use “hopsack” in a Sentence
[noun] made of hopsacka [adjective] hopsack [noun]the hopsack [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hopsack” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hopsack material was perfect for the country jacket.
- He preferred a hopsack finish for the upholstery.
American English
- She chose a hopsack blazer for its textured look.
- The hopsack weave added visual interest to the simple curtains.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in textile import/export or fashion retail specifications.
Academic
Found in textiles history, material culture, or fashion design papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in weaving, tailoring, and fabric merchandising.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hopsack”
- Confusing it with 'burlap' or 'hessian' (these are specific types of coarse fabric, not necessarily hopsack weave).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to hopsack' – incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'hopsac', 'hopsak'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes. The fabric was originally used for sacks to carry hops. Today, the term solely describes the weave pattern and fabric, with no active connection to brewing.
No, 'hopsack' is exclusively a noun (for the fabric/weave) and can be used attributively as an adjective (e.g., hopsack suit). It has no verb form.
Its defining feature is the basket-weave pattern, where two or more warp and weft threads are woven together to create a checkerboard-like, often slightly coarse, textured surface.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialist term. Most English speakers would not know it unless they have an interest in textiles, weaving, or classic fashion.
A coarse, open, basket-weave fabric traditionally made from flax, hemp, jute, or wool.
Hopsack is usually formal, technical (textiles/fashion) in register.
Hopsack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒpsæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːpsæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SACK used for storing HOPS (a brewing ingredient), made of a coarse, basket-like fabric – that's hopsack.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXTURE IS A CONTAINER (The rough, porous weave is conceptually like an open basket or sack).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts are you most likely to encounter the word 'hopsack'?