Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Chenille
Che-nille′
(shē̍-nēl′)
, Noun.
[F., prop., a caterpillar.]
Tufted cord, of silk or worsted, for the trimming of ladies’ dresses, for embroidery and fringes, and for the weft of Chenille rugs.
Definition 2024
chenille
chenille
English
![](http://llc12.www.definify.com/images_main/Chenille_Fabric.jpg)
Chenille fabric on a sofa
Noun
chenille (countable and uncountable, plural chenilles)
- an extremely soft and bunchy fabric often used to make sweaters
- 1929, M. Barnard Eldershaw, A House Is Built, Chapter VII, Section vi
- The house seemed unfamiliar in the dark stormy light; the red and purple glass of the front door made livid bruises on the linoleum; the green chenille curtain was like a veil of seaweed.
- 1929, M. Barnard Eldershaw, A House Is Built, Chapter VII, Section vi
Anagrams
French
Etymology
Inherited from Latin canicula (“little dog”) (because of a caterpillar's head). Doublet of canicule.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ʃ(ə.)nij/
Noun
chenille f (plural chenilles)
- caterpillar
- chenille
- caterpillar track, snow chain
- whirligig (fairground attraction)