matelasse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “matelasse” mean?
A fabric with a raised, quilted, or blistered surface design, often resembling padded stitching.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fabric with a raised, quilted, or blistered surface design, often resembling padded stitching.
The technique of stitching or weaving to create a padded, quilted-like effect on textiles; also used as an adjective to describe items (e.g., bedspreads, jackets) made from such fabric.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word retains its French spelling and accent in both variants, though the accent is often dropped in general usage.
Connotations
Connotes luxury, craftsmanship, and a high-end textile finish in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, confined to fashion, textile, and interior design contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “matelasse” in a Sentence
[fabric/coverlet/jacket] made of matelasséa matelassé [noun]the matelassé is [adjective]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matelasse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artisan will matelassé the silk to create a luxurious finish for the evening coat.
American English
- This machine can matelasse the fabric to give it that classic quilted look.
adverb
British English
- The fabric was woven matelassé-style, creating a sophisticated texture.
American English
- The material is finished matelasse, giving it a unique, puffy appearance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing descriptions for high-end home textiles and fashion items.
Academic
Used in textiles, fashion history, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Rare. Might be encountered in upscale homeware or clothing stores.
Technical
Precise term in textile manufacturing for a specific weaving or stitching technique creating a puckered, quilted effect.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matelasse”
- Misspelling: 'mattelasse', 'matlasse', dropping the accent.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈmætəlæs/) instead of the last.
- Using it as a general term for any quilted item rather than for the specific fabric/texture.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both have a padded appearance, 'matelassé' specifically refers to a woven or stitched fabric with a permanent, raised pattern that mimics quilting. 'Quilted' often describes two layers of fabric stitched together with padding in between, which can be functional for warmth.
In American English, it is commonly pronounced /ˌmætəˈlɑːseɪ/ (mat-uh-lah-SAY). In British English, it's similar: /ˌmat(ə)ˈlɑːseɪ/. The final syllable has the stress and a long 'a' sound like in 'say'.
It is frequently used for decorative home textiles like bedspreads, coverlets, pillow shams, and cushions. In fashion, it appears in jackets, handbags, and occasionally evening wear.
It is a loanword from French (past participle of 'matelasser', meaning 'to quilt'). The accent (acute on the final 'e') indicates the pronunciation of that syllable. In English, the accent is often omitted in casual writing.
A fabric with a raised, quilted, or blistered surface design, often resembling padded stitching.
Matelasse is usually specialized/technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a mate (friend) on a LASS (young woman) sitting on a QUILTED, puffy sofa – 'matelassé' fabric is like a quilted texture.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXTURE IS A TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP (the raised patterns are like hills and valleys on fabric).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'matelassé' MOST specifically used?