noun
pleat
pleet
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.”
noun
1
A fold pressed or stitched into cloth to shape a garment or add fullness, made by doubling the fabric back on itself.
"The skirt fell in sharp pleats from the waistband."
"He ironed a knife-edge pleat into each trouser leg."
verb
1
To fold cloth into pleats and fix them in place by pressing or sewing.
"The dressmaker pleated the bodice so it would sit flat across the chest."
How to use pleat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fold sewn or pressed into fabric.
When to use it
Neutral and everyday; the standard word in sewing, tailoring and fashion writing.
Memory tip
A pleat is a deliberate, permanent fold; a wrinkle is an accidental one.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
box pleat
knife pleat
pleated skirt
inverted pleat
pleat front trousers
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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.
What is the meaning of 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.
