twill

noun

ˈtwil How to pronounce twill (audio)
1
: a fabric with a twill weave
2
: a textile weave in which the filling threads pass over one and under two or more warp threads to give an appearance of diagonal lines

Examples of twill in a Sentence

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.
Timber chevron floors will echo the twill weave of Burberry gabardine, while bespoke rugs will reinterpret prints from scarves in the archive. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 Denim is a sturdy cotton textile that is woven in a twill pattern, creating a distinctive diagonal rib on the fabric’s surface. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 Operating within the confines of her old-school loom, Contro tends toward plain weaves and twills, preferring the look, feel, and drape of those simple structures. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 This stylish take is crafted from pure virgin wool-twill and marked by discreet cargo pockets. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for twill

Word History

Etymology

Middle English twyll, twylle, from Old English twilic having a double thread, partial translation of Latin bilic-, bilix, from bi- + licium thread

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing twill

Rhymes for twill

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Browse Nearby Words

twilit
twill
twilled
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Cite this Entry

“Twill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twill. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

twill

1 of 2 noun
ˈtwil
: a way of weaving cloth that produces a pattern of diagonal lines

twill

2 of 2 verb
: to make (cloth) with a twill weave

More from Merriam-Webster on twill

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about twill

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