Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of strong, smooth paper or thin cardboard: Manilla is a durable material with a light brown color, traditionally made from fibers of the abacá plant (also called Manila hemp). It is often used for envelopes, folders, and other stationery.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The important documents were stored in a sturdy manilla folder.
  • Before digital files, architects often drew plans on manilla paper.

Advanced Usage

• "Manilla envelope": A common term for a large, sturdy envelope made from this material, typically used for mailing documents or holding important papers.
  • She sealed the contract inside a manilla envelope before sending it.

Variants and Related Words

• Manila: This is the more common modern spelling for the paper/cardboard. "Manilla" is a variant.
• Manila hemp: (noun) The fiber from the abacá plant, which is used to make manilla paper and rope.
• Abacá: (noun) The tropical plant (a type of banana) whose leaves provide the fibers for Manila hemp.

Synonyms

• Manila paper: A direct synonym.
• Card stock: A general term for thick paper, though not specifically light brown or made from abacá.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "Manilla" (often spelled "Manila") is primarily a place name, the capital of the Philippines. The paper is named after this city, which was a major port for exporting the abacá fiber.
• The reference to "cigars" (xì gà) in some dictionaries relates to Manila cigars, which are tobacco products from the Philippines, and is a separate, specific usage of the place name, not a meaning of the material "manilla."

Noun

1. a strong paper or thin cardboard with a smooth light brown finish made from e.g. Manila hemp