pleat
Pleat (noun) means a fold pressed or stitched into cloth to shape a garment or add fullness, made by doubling the fabric back on itself. Example: “The skirt fell in sharp pleats from the waistband.”
How to Use Pleat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fold sewn or pressed into fabric.
Neutral and everyday; the standard word in sewing, tailoring and fashion writing.
A pleat is a deliberate, permanent fold; a wrinkle is an accidental one.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The skirt fell in sharp _____ from the waistband.
Etymology
A variant of plait, from Old French pleit, ultimately from Latin plicare meaning 'to fold'.
Related Words
Rhymes for pleat
See all rhymes for pleat →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a pleat and a plait?
A pleat is a fold in fabric, while a plait (in British English) is hair or material woven together in three or more strands — what Americans call a braid. The two words share an origin, which is why they look so similar, but in modern use they describe completely different things.
What is a box pleat?
A box pleat is made by folding fabric away from itself on both sides so that the pleat sticks out in a flat, squared shape. It adds volume without clinging, which is why it is common on school skirts and curtains.
What is the difference between a pleat and a dart?
A pleat is a fold that hangs loose below the point where it is fixed, adding fullness. A dart is a wedge of fabric stitched shut to remove fullness and make a garment curve to the body.