seersucker

American  

[seer-suhk-er] / ˈsɪərˌsʌk ər /

noun

1. a plainwoven cotton, rayon, or linen fabric: traditionally a striped cotton with alternate stripes crinkled in the weaving.

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seersucker British  

/ ˈsɪəˌsʌkə /

noun

1. a light cotton, linen, or other fabric with a crinkled surface and often striped

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Etymology

Origin of seersucker

1715–25; < Hindi sīrsakar < Persian shīr o shakar literally, milk and sugar

Explanation

Seersucker is a lightweight, summery fabric with a puckered surface and stripes. Southern writers love a pale blue and white seersucker suit in the summertime because it pairs well with sweet tea, Spanish moss, and croquet. Seersucker comes in many colors and is occasionally checkered, although it usually has stripes over a white background. British colonists in India were the first English-speakers to wear seersucker. They also anglicized the name from the Hindi sirsakar, which comes from the Persian šir o šakar, "striped cloth," or literally, "milk and sugar," referring to the cloth's alternation of smoothness and puckered surface.

Example Sentences

Seersucker suits, floral dresses and bright colors abound, but racegoers famously elevate their style to another level with their grand collection of hats and fascinators.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2023

Seersucker suits, floral dresses and bright colors abound, but racegoers famously elevate their style to another level with their grand collections of hats and fascinators.

From Washington Times • May 6, 2023

He opened his own restaurant, Seersucker, in Brooklyn in 2010.

From Washington Times • Oct. 14, 2018

Members of Congress gathered for a photo in recognition of National Seersucker Day on Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2014

Seersucker gingham was originally a thin linen fabric made in the East Indies.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz