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organza

American  
[awr-gan-zuh] / ɔrˈgæn zə /

noun

  • organzas
    plural
  1. a sheer rayon, nylon, or silk fabric constructed in plain weave and with a crisp finish, used in the manufacture of evening dresses, trimmings, etc.


organza British  
/ ɔːˈɡænzə /

noun

  1. a thin stiff fabric of silk, cotton, nylon, rayon, etc

"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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of organza

First recorded in 1810–20; origin uncertain


Explanation

Organza is a fabric that's light and slightly sheer, with a bit of a shine to it. Formal gowns and wedding dresses are sometimes made using organza. Organza gets its name from the Italian name for a strong silk thread, organzino. This fancy textile is traditionally woven from silk, with newer, less expensive versions made of polyester. Organza is distinctive for being light and sheer — but also stiff, holding its shape rather than softly draping. A lavish gala would be the perfect occasion to wear an elegant organza gown.

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Vocabulary lists containing organza

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Ms. Kobielski’s photos are highly saturated, with daytime flash manufacturing brilliance against silk organza and rhinestone jewelry.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

Mary Aravanopoulos stood clutching her daughter, huddling for safety with about 15 other women in the dress shop filled with ethereal organza gowns.

From New York Times ● Apr. 15, 2024

"A silk organza shouldn't be judged as less durable than a polyester one based purely on its physical resistance," he told Le Monde newspaper.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2023

It had a bodice made of Chantilly lace and included “hand-placed organza petals along the bodice and cascading into the skirt,” according to the brand.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 21, 2022

I follow the gold organza that drapes the ceiling and trails the flower-strewn aisle leading to the mandap—the traditional wedding canopy under which the vows will take place.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

As the collection progressed, see-through organzas with floral detailing, made the backs of skirts visible through the front.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 4, 2013

His accomplished fall-winter collection 2012 on Tuesday began with a daybreak of sorts, in lighter shades of mauve and lavender in organzas and double crepe.

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2012

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