baize

American  

[beyz] / beɪz /

noun

1. a soft, usually green, woolen or cotton fabric resembling felt, used chiefly for the tops of billiard tables.

2. an article of this fabric or of a fabric resembling it.

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verb (used with object)

baized, baizing

1. to line or cover with baize.

baize British  

/ beɪz /

noun

1. a woollen fabric resembling felt, usually green, used mainly for the tops of billiard tables

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verb

1. (tr) to line or cover with such fabric

Etymology

Origin of baize

1570–80; earlier bayes < French baies (noun), Old French ( estoffes fabrics) baies, feminine plural of bai (adj.) bay ⁵

Example Sentences

Twenty years ago, Luca Brecel was himself gracing the same baize of the Snooker Sports club in Maasmechelen municipality, in Flanders, near the Dutch border.

From BBC • May 2, 2023

"They would have the whole conversation, then he would go home and type it all up. Then they would meet at Broadcasting House across a green baize table and read the script to each other."

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2022

The parlor we are in reflects the 18th century, with its deep red walls and marble fireplace flanked by green baize card tables.

From New York Times • Sep. 10, 2018

Other parts of the baize had readings of 2,300 counts a second.

From The Guardian • Mar. 6, 2016

Animated by this new certainty—choosing the right dress had surely helped—she crossed the hallway, pushed through the baize door and strode along the checkered tiled corridor to the kitchen.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan