burlap

noun

bur·​lap ˈbər-ˌlap How to pronounce burlap (audio)
1
: a coarse heavy plain-woven fabric usually of jute or hemp used for bagging and wrapping and in furniture and linoleum manufacture
2
: a lightweight material resembling burlap used in interior decoration or for clothing

Examples of burlap in a Sentence

The bag is made of burlap.
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 tiered silhouette is flowy and forgiving for curvier bodies like mine, but fitted enough to not look like a burlap sack. — Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025 How To Cover Azaleas In Winter If severe weather is on the way, pick up a roll of burlap or frost cloth at the store or find an old sheet or blanket. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025 Christmas Market At Hilton Anatole Dallas locals and visitors can experience a Bavarian Village packed with local vendors and seasonal activities like a Christmas Tree maze, Ferris Wheel and other family activities including snacks, drinks and a 40-ft burlap slide. — Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 If leaves have already appeared, cover the plant with burlap or a lightweight cotton towel. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burlap

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of burlap was circa 1696

Rhymes for burlap

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Browse Nearby Words

burlap
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Cite this Entry

“Burlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burlap. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

burlap

noun
bur·​lap ˈbər-ˌlap How to pronounce burlap (audio)
: a rough fabric made usually from jute or hemp and used mostly for bags and wrappings

More from Merriam-Webster on burlap

Nglish: Translation of burlap for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burlap

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