texture

1 of 2

noun

tex·ture ˈteks-chər

: the visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance of something

the texture of an oil painting

: the disposition or manner of union of the particles of a body or substance

: a composite of the elements of prose or poetry

All these words … meet violently to form a texture impressive and exciting.—John Berryman

: a pattern of musical sound created by tones or lines played or sung together

: essential part : substance

: identifying quality : character

: something composed of closely interwoven elements

specifically : a woven cloth

: the structure formed by the threads of a fabric

: basic scheme or structure

: overall structure

textural

ˈteks-chə-rəl

adjective

texturally

ˈteks-chə-rə-lē

adverb

textured

ˈteks-chərd

adjective

textureless

ˈteks-chər-ləs

adjective

texture

2 of 2

verb

textured; texturing

transitive verb

: to give a particular texture to

Examples of texture in a Sentence

Noun wood with a rough texture the smooth texture of silk The plant's leaves are almost leathery in texture. foods with very different textures The custard should be smooth and creamy in texture. a song with layered textures I liked the raw, gritty texture of the film. The movies are similar in texture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Noun

Add a bit of texture to a summer dress with a crochet headscarf, raffia bag, and simple gold rope necklace. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 2 July 2026 Amid a host of synthetic textures, the batá grounds the record in its spiritual reference; only the twins’ perspective changes. — Stefanie Fernández, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026

Verb

A bit of texturing at the ends gives this straight lob a more relaxed, cool vibe. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 Between the speakers is a door, textured for sound diffraction, that opens to reveal storage for up to 40 of your favorite records. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for texture

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin textura, from textus, past participle of texere to weave — more at technical

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Verb

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of texture was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Texture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/texture. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

texture

1 of 2 noun

tex·ture ˈteks-chər

: the structure, feel, and appearance of something (as a fabric)

the smooth texture of silk

wood with a rough texture

: a quality that identifies something

textured

-chərd

adjective

texture

2 of 2 verb

textured; texturing

: to give a particular texture to

texture a ceiling

texture

noun

verb

Examples of texture in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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