Definition

Noun: - Textiles for domestic use: "Household linen" refers to a category of dry goods, typically made from white or light-colored cloth, used for various practical purposes within a home. This term traditionally encompasses items used in bedding, dining, and bathroom settings.

Usage

• The term is used as a collective, uncountable noun to refer to the category as a whole (e.g., "household linen") or in a countable sense when referring to types or pieces (e.g., "fine household linens").
• It is often associated with traditional domestic management and quality textiles.

Examples

• As an uncountable noun (category):
  • She is in charge of the household linen.
  • The store has a large selection of household linen.
• As a countable noun (items):
  • They received beautiful household linens as wedding gifts.
  • These antique household linens are very delicate.

Advanced Usage

• "To change the household linen": This phrase means to replace used bed sheets, tablecloths, towels, etc., with clean ones.
  • The maid's duty is to change the household linen every Thursday.

Variants and Related Words

• Linen (noun): While originally referring to fabric made from flax, it is commonly used as a broader synonym for household textiles, especially high-quality ones (e.g., bed linen, table linen).
• Dry goods (noun): A historical retail term for items like cloth, textiles, and household linens, as opposed to "wet goods" like groceries.
• Bed linen (noun): A subset of household linen specifically for the bed (e.g., sheets, pillowcases).
• Table linen (noun): A subset for the dining table (e.g., tablecloths, napkins).

Synonyms

• Domestic textiles
• Home linens
• Household textiles

Related Phrases

• Linen closet/cupboard: A storage space specifically for clean household linen.
  • The towels are neatly folded in the linen closet.
• Linen basket/hamper: A container for holding soiled household linen before washing.
  • Please put your used towels in the linen hamper.

Noun

1. drygoods for household use that are typically made of white cloth