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

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

A cloth of the same general appearance as melton, of light weight, for women’s wear.

From Textiles For Commercial, Industrial, and Domestic Arts Schools; Also Adapted to Those Engaged in Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods, Wool, Cotton, and Dressmaker's Trades by Dooley, William H. (William Henry)

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 Spearman, Frank H. (Frank Hamilton)

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