Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

burlap

[bur-lap]
See more synonyms for burlap on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a plain-woven, coarse fabric of jute, hemp, or the like; gunny.
  2. a lightweight fabric made in imitation of this.
Show More
verb (used with object), bur·lapped, bur·lap·ping.
  1. to wrap with burlap: to burlap and tie a newly dug tree.
Show More

Origin of burlap

1685–95; earlier borelap, equivalent to bore(l) coarse cloth (see bureau) + lap1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for burlap

Historical Examples

  • We had no beds—sleeping on long, burlap bags stuffed with hay.

    A Labrador Doctor

    Wilfred Thomason Grenfell

  • Barney arrived with the chilled quarter of beef wrapped in burlap.

  • Jute is purchased from India and manufactured into burlap and rugs.

    Commercial Geography

    Jacques W. Redway

  • His bag of peanuts is here, made of burlap and three feet high.

    Dear Enemy

    Jean Webster

  • Be careful not to apply too much glue on the burlap, or it will soak through.

    Mission Furniture

    H. H. Windsor

British Dictionary definitions for burlap

burlap

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

Word Origin

C17: from borel coarse cloth, from Old French burel (see bureau) + lap 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for burlap

n.

1690s, probably from Middle English borel "coarse cloth," from Old French burel (see bureau); or Dutch boeren "coarse," perhaps confused with boer "peasant." The second element, -lap, meant "piece of cloth" (see lap (n.)).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper