grosgrain

American  

[groh-greyn] / ˈgroʊˌgreɪn /

noun

1. a heavy, corded ribbon or cloth of silk or rayon.

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grosgrain British  

/ ˈɡrəʊˌɡreɪn /

noun

1. a heavy ribbed silk or rayon fabric or tape for trimming clothes, etc

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Other Word Forms

• grosgrained adjective

Etymology

Origin of grosgrain

First recorded in 1865–70, grosgrain is from French gros grain “large grain”

Example Sentences

Andrew presented a new version of the brand’s Vara shoe, with a larger front grosgrain bow, pointy toe and cinched back.

From Reuters • Sep. 21, 2019

Mr. Gray suggests exaggerating a simple accessory like black grosgrain ribbon for a cool effect.

From New York Times • May 15, 2019

Laila Ruffin, the senior class vice president, was stationed behind a table piled with 2,000 orange grosgrain ribbons that organizers were passing out to any students and teachers who wanted them.

From Slate • Mar. 14, 2018

Styles can be ordered in satin, leather, canvas, and suede; with a higher- and lower-cut vamp; in a wide range of colors and finishes like grosgrain ribbons, bows, and toe caps.

From Forbes • Sep. 20, 2014

As Miss Love had promised, there was a black grosgrain coat for Mama, and for Loma a thin, expensive-looking white dress with big pastel flowers embroidered on it.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns