Tulle
/tuːl/noun
A lightweight, fine net fabric often used for veils, ballet skirts, and formal clothing.
Did you know?Tulle is not an ancient mystical fabric: its English name comes from Tulle, a town in central France associated with producing the material in the 18th century.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
French
tulle
“A fine net fabric, named after the French town of Tulle.”
18th Century
French
Tulle
“The name of a town in central France associated with the manufacture of fine netting.”
1760s
English
tulle
“A borrowed term for fine, transparent net fabric.”
19th Century
English
tulle
“A fashionable lightweight textile used for veils, dresses, and decorative clothing.”
Modern English
English
tulle
“Fine machine-made netting used especially in bridalwear, ballet costumes, and millinery.”