foulé

Elle porte une robe en foulé de laine bleue.

Definition

1. Noun (singular/uncountable):
   • A type of worsted wool fabric with a smooth, glossy surface: "foulé" refers to a lightweight, tightly woven woolen cloth, often used in suiting and dressmaking. It is characterized by its lustrous finish and fine texture.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She chose a navy foulé for her new suit. (She selected a smooth wool fabric for a tailored outfit.)
  • The tailor recommended foulé because of its durability and elegant drape. (The cloth is valued for its strength and graceful fall.)

Advanced Usage

• "foulé weave": a specific weaving technique that produces the smooth, compact surface of this fabric.
  • The foulé weave gives the material a refined, almost satin-like appearance. (The weaving method creates a glossy finish.)

Variants and Related Words

• Foulard (n): a lightweight, soft silk or silk-like fabric, often with a printed pattern (distinct from foulé, which is wool).
  • He wore a silk foulard tie to the formal dinner. (A patterned necktie made of a different fabric type.)

Synonyms

• Worsted wool: a type of wool yarn that is tightly twisted and combed, producing a smooth fabric.
• Broadcloth: a dense, smooth woolen fabric, though typically heavier than foulé.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms directly involve "foulé," as it is a specific textile term.)

Notes for Language Learners

• "Foulé" is a specialized term primarily used in fashion, tailoring, and textile industries. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation. The word is pronounced /fuːˈleɪ/ (foo-LAY) in English, retaining its French origin.