toile
Americannoun
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a transparent linen or cotton fabric
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a garment of exclusive design made up in cheap cloth so that alterations and experiments can be made
Etymology
Origin of toile
1555–65; < French: linen cloth, canvas. See toil 2
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.
The bed, fitted with exquisite blue-and-white toile hangings, reflects the Washingtons’ taste.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026
Over time, the motifs on toile fabric expanded beyond rural scenes to include exotic landscapes, floral patterns and architectural elements.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023
By incorporating toile in smaller doses, it adds a touch of elegance and heritage to modern interiors without overwhelming the overall design.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023
During its early years, toile fabric was primarily printed using engraved copper plates, which allowed for the intricate and detailed designs it is known for.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023
The walls of the suite were papered in black-and-white toile.
From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
