twill
noun
a fabric constructed in twill weave.
twill
1 American
[twil]
/ twɪl /
noun
-
a fabric constructed in twill weave.
-
a garment, as a suit or trousers, of this fabric.
verb (used with object)
-
to weave in the manner of a twill.
-
to weave in twill construction.
'twill
2
American
[twil]
/ twɪl /
twill
1
British
/ twɪl /
adjective
noun
verb
'twill
2
British
/ twɪl /
contraction
Usage
See contraction.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of twill
1300–50; north and Scots variant of twilly (noun), Middle English twyle, Old English twilī ( c ), half translation, half adoption of Latin bilīc- (stem of bilīx ) having double thread. See twi-
Explanation
Twill is a sturdy type of fabric that's woven in a distinctive diagonal pattern. You probably have twill in your closet — most jeans are made from denim twill. Twill is often made of cotton, and the particular method used to weave it creates a durable cloth that can be used for clothes or upholstery. Your sofa may be covered in twill — one type to look for is herringbone, in which you can see a pattern of small Vs. The word twill comes from the Old English twili, "woven with double thread," and its Latin root bilix, "with a double thread."
Vocabulary lists containing twill
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:
Traditional denim is typically cotton woven diagonally in a twill, which makes it rough, said Steph Giri, who costumes dancers at the University of Utah and has never put one in jeans.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2025
Curtain-binding tape made of heavyweight cotton twill is stretched from post to post, positioned “at their knees and hips, and sometimes at their shoulders, to hold them upright beautifully,” she said.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 28, 2022
The pieces, ranging from $80 to $150, include overalls, twill work pants, an Eisenhower jacket and more.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2022
They’re made of tear-resistant nylon twill, which is helpful when you’re using that second zipper to squeeze your clothes into a small space.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 27, 2021
The massive thighs which emerged from out of the smock were encased in a pair of extraordinary breeches, bottle-green in colour and made of coarse twill.
From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl
“Our wait list is lengthy; it might take a while to accomplish your heavenward slog, O — But trust me, ’twill feel like mere seconds compared with your voyage in ‘Doctor Zhivago.’
From Washington Post ● Jan. 28, 2016
No more Ribbons wear, nor in rich dress appear, Love your country much better than fine things, Begin without passion, ’twill soon be the fashion To grace your smooth locks with a twine string.
From Textbooks ● Dec. 30, 2014
St. Swithin's Day, if thou dost rain, For forty days it will remain: St. Swithin's Day, if thou be fair, For forty days 'twill rain nae mair.
From Time Magazine Archive
So listen now, dear people, And hear my story through, I pray God 'twill warn you Of the fate of Marvin Drew.
From Time Magazine Archive
Tell not her ladyship, and send the word around that the water must be used sparingly, or ’twill not last the week out, even for drinking.”
From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli
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.
