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poplin

American  
[pop-lin] / ˈpɒp lɪn /

noun

  1. a finely corded fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or wool, for dresses, draperies, etc.


poplin British  
/ ˈpɒplɪn /

noun

    1. a strong fabric, usually of cotton, in plain weave with fine ribbing, used for dresses, children's wear, etc

    2. ( as modifier )

      a poplin shirt

"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

Etymology

Origin of poplin

1700–10; < French popeline, earlier papeline < Italian papalina, feminine of papalino papal; so called from being made at the papal city of Avignon. See papal, -ine 1

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Explanation

Poplin is a sturdy fabric woven in a simple crosswise pattern that's finely ribbed. Many different types of clothing are made from poplin, like button-down shirts and summer dresses. A material is defined as poplin based on the way its fibers are woven together. Poplin is often made from cotton, but it can also be silk, wool, or polyester. Poplin's plain weave is the most basic method; it results in strong fabric with a soft sheen. Originally, poplin was made in France from a blend of fibers, and the word is from the French papeline, "cloth of fine silk and worsted wool."

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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:

Loyal customers visit to explore Buford’s curated jewelry, perfume, clothing, gifts and candles worldwide, ranging from Japanese poplin to French fragrance.

From Seattle Times Mar. 30, 2022

A spike in covid-19 cases, a second lockdown, the winter and the holidays have brought us to this moment swaddled in cotton poplin and buttery knits.

From Washington Post Dec. 4, 2020

The cotton poplin plastron shirt took 11 hours to make, according to the French house.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 25, 2018

On vacation in Palm Beach, Fla., she took Samuel, then around 4, to the Lilly Pulitzer shop and watched with curiosity as pink poplin turned a depressed child turn into a happy nymph.

From New York Times Apr. 1, 2017

Mother sits in a chair in the dressing lounge and I choose the first LadyJDay suit I try on, light blue poplin with a round-collar jacket.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

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