French word

toile

Pronunciation

IPA/twal/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfabric

Example

Elle a lavé la toile avant de la coudre.

She washed the fabric before sewing it.

Illustration for toile (fabric)

More examples

Il a tendu la toile sur le châssis avant de peindre.

He stretched the canvas for painting onto the stretcher frame before painting.

Core concept

A sheet of interlaced threads used as ordinary fabric or as a firm support for paint.

Common phrases

  • toile à peindre

    canvas for painting

  • toile cirée

    oilcloth

  • toile de coton

    cotton fabric

Similar words

tissu: A general term for woven fabric used in clothing or furniture coverings.
drap: Fabric used for bed sheets or as a large piece of cloth.

Definition in French

Matière textile tissée, utilisée pour confectionner des vêtements, du linge ou des supports de peinture.

Word origin

The French noun toile developed from Old French toile, ultimately from Latin tela for woven material.

Usage tips

  • Tissu is the broader everyday word for fabric, while toile often highlights a specific textile, such as canvas or sailcloth.

Other meanings

  • canvasnoun
  • sailclothnoun

Word lists with this word