Definition

Noun: A synthetic material manufactured to visually and texturally resemble genuine leather, but typically made from plastics like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is used as a less expensive and animal-free alternative.

Usage

"Imitation leather" is used as a non-count noun to describe the material itself. It is common in product descriptions for furniture, clothing, accessories, and automotive interiors.

Examples

• The car's seats are upholstered in durable imitation leather.
• This jacket is made from high-quality imitation leather that is easy to clean.
• Many modern wallets use imitation leather for its consistency and lower cost.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to "genuine leather" or "real leather" to specify the material's composition honestly.
• In manufacturing and design contexts, specific types like "PU leather" or "vinyl" may be used, but "imitation leather" serves as a general, understandable category.

Variants and Related Words

• Faux leather: A direct synonym, from the French word for "false." It is equally common and may sound slightly more modern or stylish.
• Vegan leather: A term emphasizing that the material contains no animal products. This can refer to imitation leather but also to newer materials made from plants like pineapple or cactus.
• Pleather (informal, portmanteau): A blend of "plastic" and "leather." This term is casual and sometimes carries a negative connotation regarding quality.
• Leatherette: Another synonym, often used in specific contexts like automotive or furniture detailing.

Synonyms

• Faux leather
• Synthetic leather
• Artificial leather
• Vinyl (when referring to a PVC-based type)

Antonyms

• Genuine leather
• Real leather
• Full-grain leather
• Suede (genuine)

Noun

1. fabric made to look like leather