hudson's bay blanket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Historical
Quick answer
What does “hudson's bay blanket” mean?
A type of heavy woollen blanket, traditionally striped in multiple colours, originally traded by the Hudson's Bay Company in North America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of heavy woollen blanket, traditionally striped in multiple colours, originally traded by the Hudson's Bay Company in North America.
A blanket that has become a cultural and historical symbol of Canada, often associated with Indigenous trade, frontier life, and heritage. It is also used as a fashion item and home decor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily used in Canadian and American English due to its historical context. In British English, it is a less common, recognised term for a specific imported good.
Connotations
In North America, it evokes heritage, trade history, and outdoor life. In the UK, it may be seen as a niche, historical reference or a specific brand of blanket.
Frequency
Most frequent in Canadian English; recognised but less common in American and British English.
Grammar
How to Use “hudson's bay blanket” in a Sentence
own a Hudson's Bay blankettrade for a Hudson's Bay blanketwrap oneself in a Hudson's Bay blanketcollect Hudson's Bay blanketsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hudson's bay blanket” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Hudson's Bay blanket design is iconic.
- She prefers a Hudson's Bay blanket style of throw.
American English
- The Hudson's Bay blanket stripes are recognisable.
- It's a Hudson's Bay blanket-inspired coat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referenced in discussions of heritage brands, retail history, or traditional craftsmanship.
Academic
Used in historical, anthropological, or material culture studies concerning North American trade and Indigenous relations.
Everyday
Used when discussing home decor, vintage items, or Canadian heritage.
Technical
Specific in textile history for its distinctive weight, weave, and colour patterns (points).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hudson's bay blanket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hudson's bay blanket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hudson's bay blanket”
- Misspelling as 'Hudson Bay blanket' (missing possessive 's').
- Using it as a generic term for any heavy blanket.
- Confusing it with modern reproductions or similar striped patterns.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are called 'point' blankets because of the small black lines, or points, woven into one edge. These points indicated the blanket's size and value in the fur trade, typically corresponding to the number of beaver pelts it was worth.
No. 'Hudson's Bay blanket' is a specific trademark and historical product. While many blankets mimic the iconic colourful stripes, authentic ones are produced for the Hudson's Bay Company and have a specific weight, quality, and often feature the 'point' markings.
The classic colours—green, red, yellow, and indigo—do not have an officially documented symbolic meaning. They are simply the traditional dyes that were colourfast and available when the blankets were first produced. They have since become iconic.
Yes. The Hudson's Bay Company still sells 'Point Blankets' that follow the traditional design. Vintage blankets are also available through auctions and specialist dealers.
A type of heavy woollen blanket, traditionally striped in multiple colours, originally traded by the Hudson's Bay Company in North America.
Hudson's bay blanket is usually formal/historical in register.
Hudson's bay blanket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌd.sənz ˈbeɪ ˈblæŋ.kɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌd.sənz ˈbeɪ ˈblæŋ.kɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As Canadian as a Hudson's Bay blanket”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Hudson's Bay Blanket: Historically Traded for Furs, Now Symbolises Canadian Home Fires.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BLANKET IS A LAYER OF HISTORY / A BLANKET IS A SYMBOL OF NATIONAL IDENTITY.
Practice
Quiz
What was the original primary use of a Hudson's Bay blanket?