What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flax
Example
The farmer grew flax in his field to produce linen. [flax: noun]
Example
The flax fibers were spun into thread to make a beautiful linen dress. [flax fibers: noun]
linen
Example
She wore a lovely linen dress to the party. [linen: noun]
Example
The hotel provided fresh linen sheets for the guests. [linen: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Linen is more commonly used than flax in everyday language, particularly in the context of clothing and home decor. However, flax is still an important term in agriculture and industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flax and linen?
Linen is generally considered more formal than flax, as it is often associated with high-end fashion and luxury home goods. However, both terms can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.