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.

---

melton British  

/ ˈmɛltən /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of melton

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

Example Sentences

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

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 Watson, Kate Heintz

"All right" said Cyril and he reached his blue melton from the peg.

From Daisy Ashford: Her Book by Cobb, Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury)

In winter, for instance, the chauffeur wears long trousers of melton or kersey or similar material and a double-breasted greatcoat of the same material.

From Book of Etiquette, Volume 2 by Watson, Lillian Eichler