taffeta

noun

taf·​fe·​ta ˈta-fə-tə How to pronounce taffeta (audio)
: a crisp plain-woven lustrous fabric of various fibers used especially for women's clothing

Examples of taffeta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Or Yohji Yamamoto’s black dress coat with a bustle of red taffeta spilling out (memorably photographed by Nick Knight in 1986) next to Kazuo Shiraga’s intense red and black composition—both dark and poetic. Amy Verner, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2024 From his vantage point this looks like denim that has been worn countless times, upcycled taffeta dresses as well as upcycled leather separates that feel lived-in. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 14 Feb. 2024 At a party, Mr. Alig handed Mr. Tyler-Leonard a peach taffeta dress. Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2024 Winfrey is wearing a purple taffeta gown, a nod to The Color Purple, the Steven Spielberg movie from 1985, based on Alice Walker’s novel, that made Winfrey a star. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 11 Jan. 2024 Sargent loved color, satin, and silk, too, and favored crisp, rustling taffeta. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 11 Jan. 2024 Less obvious: tiers of taffeta plus two-tone Bass loafers. Erika Veurink, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2023 The artist and Winfrey did the honors, pulling gently on the veil, which fell off to reveal her in the voluminous folds of a purple taffeta gown, standing in her own prayer garden, surrounded by oak trees, holding in her extended left hand an olive branch. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2023 Bernadette taffeta maxi skirt Joseph metallic knitted turtleneck top Le Monde Béryl velvet Mary Jane ballet flats Sandy Liang Palermo bow The Slinky Silhouette Veronica Beard’s fluid black maxi takes on an air of casual ease when paired with classic, menswear staples on top. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'taffeta.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English taffata, from Anglo-French, from Old Italian taffettà, from Turkish tafta, from Persian tāftah woven

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taffeta was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near taffeta

Cite this Entry

“Taffeta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taffeta. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

taffeta

noun
taf·​fe·​ta ˈtaf-ət-ə How to pronounce taffeta (audio)
: a crisp shiny fabric used especially for women's clothing

More from Merriam-Webster on taffeta

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