moleskin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; specific to certain contexts (e.g., tailoring, outdoor activities, stationery).
Quick answer
What does “moleskin” mean?
A strong, durable cotton fabric with a soft, brushed surface, traditionally used for hard-wearing trousers and jackets.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, durable cotton fabric with a soft, brushed surface, traditionally used for hard-wearing trousers and jackets.
May refer to the skin or fur of a mole; a soft, adhesive pad applied to the skin to protect against friction or blisters; or a type of notebook with soft, durable covers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The fabric/clothing sense is common in both. The soft, adhesive padding for feet is more frequently called a 'moleskin' in the US; in the UK, 'moleskin plaster' or 'blister plaster' is also used.
Connotations
In both varieties, the fabric connotes durability, practicality, and traditional workwear or country attire.
Frequency
The fabric sense is slightly more prevalent in UK English due to historical associations with British workwear and hunting apparel.
Grammar
How to Use “moleskin” in a Sentence
[fabric] made of moleskinapply moleskin to [body part][garment] in moleskinVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moleskin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tailor will moleskin the interior of the collar for comfort.
- He moleskinned his heels before the long hike.
American English
- She moleskinned the blister on her toe.
- The craftsman moleskins the edges of the handmade journal.
adverb
British English
- None standard.
American English
- None standard.
adjective
British English
- He wore a classic moleskin waistcoat.
- She prefers moleskin gloves for gardening.
American English
- He bought a moleskin cover for his passport.
- The moleskin patch provided instant relief.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific manufacturing or retail contexts for clothing or medical supplies.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or material culture studies.
Everyday
Moderate; recognised in contexts of clothing, hiking/ foot care, and stationery.
Technical
Used in tailoring/textiles, podiatry, and stationery manufacturing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moleskin”
- Using it as a countable noun for a single mole ('a moleskin' for the animal).
- Misspelling as 'moleskin' or 'mole skin'.
- Assuming it is always related to the animal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Modern 'moleskin' fabric is entirely made of cotton. The name comes from its soft, brushed surface which historically resembled the short, soft fur of a mole.
Both are brushed cotton fabrics, but corduroy has distinct raised ridges ('wales'), while moleskin has a smooth, suede-like nap with no ridges.
Yes, it's a trademark based on the word. The brand name 'Moleskine' suggests the notebook's soft, durable cover is like moleskin fabric.
Cut a piece slightly larger than the blister or hot spot, peel off the backing, and apply it smoothly to clean, dry skin to reduce friction.
A strong, durable cotton fabric with a soft, brushed surface, traditionally used for hard-wearing trousers and jackets.
Moleskin is usually neutral to formal; specific to certain contexts (e.g., tailoring, outdoor activities, stationery). in register.
Moleskin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊlskɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊlskɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOLE digging in soft earth. MOLESKIN fabric is soft and tough, like the ideal ground for a mole, and the padding protects your skin like soft earth.
Conceptual Metaphor
DURABILITY IS TOUGHNESS (fabric); PROTECTION IS A SECOND SKIN (padding).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'moleskin' LEAST likely to be used?