burlap

American  

[bur-lap] / ˈbɜr læp /

noun

1. a plain-woven, coarse fabric of jute, hemp, or the like; gunny.

2. a lightweight fabric made in imitation of this.

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verb (used with object)

burlapped, burlapping

1. to wrap with burlap.

   to burlap and tie a newly dug tree.

burlap British  

/ ˈbɜːlæp /

noun

1. a coarse fabric woven from jute, hemp, or the like

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Etymology

Origin of burlap

1685–95; earlier borelap, equivalent to bore(l) coarse cloth ( see bureau) + lap ¹

Example Sentences

Investigators took a swab from a leftover pizza crust Heuermann threw out in 2023, linking him to a hair found on the burlap sack Waterman’s remains were found in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

After the fossil hunters had recorded as much data as they could about where Apex was found, its bones were taped up in protective “jackets” made of plaster and burlap and lifted onto a trailer.

From BBC • May 30, 2024

“Provocations, restrictions,” Abu Awad said, recounting the incident as he spread tarps and burlap sacks under his olive trees.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

It wouldn’t strain the imagination to picture him clutching burlap sacks printed with the euro symbol.

From New York Times • Jan. 27, 2024

I plucked it from my hair, pulled back the burlap curtain, and chucked it out into the night.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly