fabric

noun

fab·​ric ˈfa-brik How to pronounce fabric (audio)
Synonyms of fabricnext
1
a
: structure, building
b
: underlying structure : framework
the fabric of society
2
: an act of constructing : erection
specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building
3
a
: structural plan or style of construction
b
: texture, quality
—used chiefly of textiles
c
: the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other
4
a
: cloth sense 1a
b
: a material that resembles cloth
5
: the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

Synonyms of fabric

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Examples of fabric in a Sentence

The curtains are made of expensive fabric. scarves made of woven fabrics the fabric of the community
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fabric has become increasingly popular among our Shop AD editors in seasons like fall and winter. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2026 Stretch fabrics, strap-and-hook anchoring and cushion-specific elastic covers each solve the slippage problem differently, and each works best on a different kind of couch. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 Tight socks, synthetic fabrics or sweaty feet can trap moisture, leaving marks on the skin or triggering irritation. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 Recycled content in the finished fabric or garment will depend on the other materials used. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fabric

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *dhabh-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *dhabh-r-sneh2) + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: The Latin derivative fabrica may have been shortened from fabrica ars, perhaps literally "smith's craft, smith's place of work." The base *dhabh-r- has been compared with Gothic gadaban "to happen, be suitable" and a host of related words (see daft), though the semantic link is tenuous.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fabric was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing fabric

Browse Nearby Words

Fabre
fabric
fabricant
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Cite this Entry

“Fabric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fabric. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fabric

noun
fab·​ric ˈfab-rik How to pronounce fabric (audio)
1
: the basic structure
the fabric of society
2
: cloth sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on fabric

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fabric

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