Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of yarn: Worsted is a tightly twisted, smooth woolen yarn spun from long-staple wool fibers. It is known for its strength and durability.
   • A type of fabric: Worsted is also a woolen fabric woven from worsted yarns. It has a smooth, hard-textured surface with no nap (fuzz), giving it a neat, formal appearance.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Yarn):

  • The sweater was knitted from a fine, durable worsted.
  • She prefers worsted for her crochet projects because it holds its shape well.

• Noun (Fabric):

  • He chose a dark grey worsted for his business suit.
  • Traditional tailored trousers are often made from worsted.

Advanced Usage

• "Worsted weight": In knitting and crochet, this is a standard category for yarn thickness, referring to yarn of a medium thickness, similar to the traditional worsted yarn.
  • The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn.

Variants and Related Words

• Worsted-spun (adj): Describes yarn or fabric made using the worsted spinning process, which aligns the long fibers parallel before spinning.
  • Worsted-spun wool is less fuzzy than woolen-spun wool.

Synonyms

• For yarn: Smooth yarn, hard-spun yarn.
• For fabric: Gabardine (a specific type of tightly woven fabric, often worsted), suiting fabric.

Different Meanings

• The word "worsted" is also the simple past tense and past participle of the verb "to worst", meaning to defeat thoroughly. This is a separate, homographic word.
  • He was worsted in the debate. (This usage is unrelated to the textile definitions above.)

Noun

1. a tightly twisted woolen yarn spun from long-staple wool
2. a woolen fabric with a hard textured surface and no nap; woven of worsted yarns "he wore a worsted suit"