crinoline Definition
- 1a stiff fabric made of horsehair and cotton or linen thread, used chiefly in upholstery and for stiffening hats and garments.
- 2a woman's petticoat made of crinoline fabric, consisting of hoops or a frame of wire or steel that holds the skirt out from the body.
Using crinoline: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "crinoline" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The dressmaker used crinoline to give the skirt more volume.
Example
In the 19th century, women wore crinolines under their dresses to achieve a bell-shaped silhouette.
Example
The crinoline hoop skirt was popular during the Victorian era.
crinoline Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for crinoline
- petticoat
- underskirt
- hoop skirt
Phrases with crinoline
Example
She always looks forward to crinoline day at the races.
Example
The crinoline cage was uncomfortable to wear but necessary to achieve the fashionable silhouette.
crinoline lady
a woman who wears a crinoline petticoat
Example
The crinoline lady walked down the street with her hoop skirt rustling.
Origins of crinoline
from French 'crin' meaning 'horsehair'
Summary: crinoline in Brief
The term 'crinoline' [kri-nuh-leen] refers to a stiff fabric made of horsehair and cotton or linen thread, used for upholstery and stiffening garments. It also refers to a woman's petticoat made of crinoline fabric, consisting of hoops or a frame of wire or steel that holds the skirt out from the body. The crinoline was popular in the 19th century to achieve a bell-shaped silhouette. Phrases include 'crinoline day,' 'crinoline cage,' and 'crinoline lady.'
