B2noun1K

Fabric

UK /["/ˈfæbrɪk/"]/US /["/ˈfæbrɪk/"]/

Definition

material made by weaving wool, cotton, silk, etc., used for making clothes, curtains, etc. and for covering furniture

In simple words: A material made from weaving threads together, used to make clothes and other items.

Examples

  • They sell a wide variety of printed cotton fabric.
  • furnishing fabrics
  • The fabric is woven on these machines.
  • fabric swatches of the different types of mattress covering
  • rich fabric wall coverings
  • a trend which threatens the very **fabric of society**
  • The government's policies have destroyed the social fabric.
  • the basic fabric of family life
  • The city retains much of its historic fabric.

Usage notes

Use 'fabric' in discussions about textiles or clothing. It's neutral and suitable for both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in slang or vulgar contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'fabric' as a 'fabrics care book' – it helps you remember what it's made of!

Collocations

  • beautiful
  • luxurious
  • rich
  • length
  • piece
  • strip
  • make
  • produce
  • weave
  • conditioner
  • softener
  • swatch
  • basic
  • economic
  • moral
  • destroy
  • threaten
  • the very fabric of something
  • the whole fabric of something
  • basic
  • economic
  • moral
  • destroy
  • threaten
  • the very fabric of something
  • the whole fabric of something

Synonyms

  • textile
  • material
  • cloth
  • stuff

Antonyms

  • void
  • emptiness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'fabricate' — they have different meanings.
  • Using as a verb when it should be a noun.
  • Omitting 'the' when talking about specific fabrics.