pleat

[pleet]

noun

1. a fold of definite, even width made by doubling cloth or the like upon itself and pressing or stitching it in place.

verb (used with object)

1. to fold or arrange in pleats.

pleat

/ pliːt /

noun

1. any of various types of fold formed by doubling back fabric and pressing, stitching, or steaming into place See also box pleat inverted pleat kick pleat knife pleat sunburst pleats

verb

1. (tr) to arrange (material, part of a garment, etc) in pleats

Other Word Forms

• pleater noun
• pleatless adjective
• unpleated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleat¹

1325–75; Middle English; variant of plait

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleat¹

C16: variant of _plait

Example Sentences

“I can wear clothing that I like to wear,” said Bruner, 63, who recently donned a black T-shirt with wide-leg pleated jeans at the club.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They sing in Tibetan and smile as they pass, their greying, pleated hair only just visible under their sun hats.

Read more on BBC

It was the details at Dior that spoke volumes — subtle pop-culture references, the number of pleats on a pair of giant cargo shorts, the messy styling of a necktie.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Actress and musician Teyana Taylor scored one of the Gala’s best looks early in the night, with a dandified look that took pleating and accessories to the next level.

Read more on Salon

Every meticulous detail — from Anne’s tailored pleats to how each woman eats an apple — is beguiling.

Read more on Salon