melton

American  

[mel-tn] / ˈmɛl tn /

noun

1. a heavily fulled cloth, often of wool, tightly constructed and finished with a smooth face concealing the weave, used for overcoats, hunting jackets, etc.

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melton British  

/ ˈmɛltən /

noun

1. Also called: melton cloth.  a heavy smooth woollen fabric with a short nap, used esp for overcoats

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Etymology

Origin of melton

First recorded in 1815–25; after Melton Mowbray, town in Leicestershire, England

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

melton

Portraitists usually hired a specialist to add the flashing taffetas and melton wools.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 4, 2026

A hooded cape in black melton over a wool mini-shift, with black boots, was adorable, and Mr. Kors usually found something to throw a fur over.

From New York Times ● Feb. 17, 2011

Near the bottom of the lining she saw a mud stain on the silk and the pretty fawn melton was spotted with rain.

From The Daughter of a Magnate by Frank H. (Frank Hamilton) Spearman

The strong melton cloth of the present day does not give at all, and therefore is a source of great danger if the habit catches on the pommel.

From Ladies in the Field: Sketches of Sport by Beatrice Violet Graham Greville

Overcoating—Fabrics woven especially for overcoats—covert, kersey, melton, beaver, frieze, vicuna, whipcord, cheviot, chinchilla, etc., made of both wool and worsted.

From Textiles and Clothing by Kate Heintz Watson