moquette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency; specialized/technical term)Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “moquette” mean?
A thick, durable, woven carpeting, typically with a heavy pile, used for covering floors in public transport, offices, and hotels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, durable, woven carpeting, typically with a heavy pile, used for covering floors in public transport, offices, and hotels.
A specific type of hard-wearing, tufted fabric, often made of wool or synthetic fibers, designed for high-traffic areas; by extension, the material covering in vehicles like trains and buses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is more commonly used in British English, particularly in contexts like rail transport. In American English, 'carpeting', 'commercial carpet', or 'upholstery fabric' are more frequent generic terms.
Connotations
In the UK, it strongly connotes public transport interiors (trains, buses). In the US, it may be perceived as a specialized textile industry term.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English, though still a low-frequency specialist term.
Grammar
How to Use “moquette” in a Sentence
The [vehicle/room] was fitted with [ADJ] moquette.They chose a [COLOUR] moquette for the [LOCATION].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moquette” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The moquette fabric was hard-wearing.
- A moquette-covered seat.
American English
- The moquette material met fire safety codes.
- A moquette interior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement, facilities management, and transport interior design specifications.
Academic
Rare; might appear in texts on textile history, design, or transport engineering.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in interior design, upholstery, and public transport vehicle manufacturing and maintenance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moquette”
- Using 'moquette' to refer to a rug or a domestic carpet (too broad).
- Pronouncing it as /məʊˈkwɛt/ (incorrect; 'qu' is /k/).
- Misspelling as 'moquete' or 'mocquette'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a loanword from French, where it means 'carpet'. In English, its meaning is narrower and more technical.
It would be unusual and technically incorrect. 'Moquette' refers to a specific heavy-duty type of woven carpeting for commercial/public use. For homes, 'fitted carpet', 'rug', or 'carpeting' are standard.
With industrial-grade vacuum cleaners and extraction machines, similar to commercial carpet cleaning, due to its heavy-duty construction and public use.
Yes. Velvet is a soft, luxurious pile fabric often made of silk, cotton, or synthetics, used for clothing and drapes. Moquette is a coarse, hard-wearing pile fabric, usually wool-blend, designed for floors and seats in high-traffic areas.
A thick, durable, woven carpeting, typically with a heavy pile, used for covering floors in public transport, offices, and hotels.
Moquette is usually formal/technical in register.
Moquette: in British English it is pronounced /mɒˈkɛt/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊˈkɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'mosquito net' – but for floors. A 'moquette' is a thick NET of fabric on the floor to catch dirt and sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLOOR IS A PROTECTIVE SKIN (moquette as a durable, protective layer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the word 'moquette'?