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Glite Dictionary
grosgrain

grosgrain

1 9.9
A strong fabric with a ribbed surface used for ribbons and trims
  • noun
  • /ˈɡroʊˌɡreɪn/
  • Specialized
: grosgrain
  • The program covers are made from lavender construction paper, with a tiny purple silk African violet glued on, framed by a small grosgrain ribbon.
  • grosgrain ribbon
  • grosgrain trim
  • grosgrain bow

I love the three tears on the skirt and the ribbon, the grosgrain, the beautiful florals, the colour.

Examples

  • She chose a beautiful grosgrain ribbon to decorate the gift box.

  • He made a stylish bow using the rich grosgrain fabric for the wedding decorations.

  • Ties up at the back with a white grosgrain ribbon.

    Blog text (11)

  • Perhaps with velvet or grosgrain ribbon trim...

    Blog text (2)

  • I love the three tears on the skirt and the ribbon, the grosgrain, the beautiful florals, the colour.

    Freddy My Love

  • K.B. fetched a roll of black grosgrain and the scissors from the box.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • Around the edge of the brim was white grosgrain ribbon binding, matching her white gloves on the table and her white purse on the chair.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • Mrs. Vogel was short and round, with sleek chestnut hair that she tied in a ponytail and adorned with a red grosgrain ribbon.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • The dress was enhanced with a luxurious grosgrain trim that added elegance.

Surface Forms

grosgrain singular
grosgrains plural

Etymology

The word grosgrain comes from French words gros 'big' and grain 'grain' or 'texture', giving the picture of a 'big grain' or coarse, ribbed surface. So, grosgrain today means a strong, ribbed ribbon or fabric used for hatbands, trims and gift boxes.