noun

damask

DAM-uhsk

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Damask (noun) means a reversible fabric, traditionally silk or linen, woven so that its pattern shows through the contrast between matte and shiny threads rather than through dye. Example: “The dining chairs were upholstered in a deep red damask.”

noun

A reversible fabric, traditionally silk or linen, woven so that its pattern shows through the contrast between matte and shiny threads rather than through dye.

"The dining chairs were upholstered in a deep red damask."

"She hung damask curtains that caught the light differently depending on where you stood."

"The tablecloth was an heirloom damask passed down from her grandmother."

adjective

Of a greyish-pink colour, like that of the damask rose.

"Her cheeks turned a soft damask shade in the cold."

"The paint chart offered a damask tone between pink and grey."

How to use damask

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA patterned fabric woven so the design shows through texture rather than colour, named after Damascus.

When to use it

Damask is mostly used in contexts about fabric, furnishing and interior design.

Memory tip

Picture a fabric where the pattern is woven in, not printed on, and you have the core idea of damask.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

damask fabric damask curtains damask rose damask tablecloth

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dining chairs were upholstered in a deep red _____.

Etymology

Damask comes from Middle English damaske, which was taken from Medieval Latin damascus. The word points back to the city of Damascus, where this style of patterned fabric was first woven.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does damask mean?

Damask is a patterned fabric, often silk or linen, where the design appears through the weave itself rather than printed colour. It can also describe the greyish-pink colour associated with the damask rose.

Why is it called damask?

The name comes from Damascus, the city where this woven fabric originated and was historically produced.

Is damask always silk?

No. While damask began as a silk fabric, the same reversible weaving technique is also used with linen, wool and other fibres.

What is the meaning of damask?

"damask" (noun) means a reversible fabric, traditionally silk or linen, woven so that its pattern shows through the contrast between matte and shiny threads rather than through dye.