Fabric — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈfa-brik/ fab·ric

Meaning & Definition of Fabric

Fabric (noun)

  1. structure, building
  2. underlying structure, framework
  3. an act of constructing, erection; specifically, the construction and maintenance of a church building

Fabric (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a woven or knitted material (as of cotton or nylon)

    "a fabric that is supposed to repel rain while at the same time allowing the wearer's perspiration to escape"

    similar: cloth, textile
    related: fiber, thread, yarn, rag

  2. the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form

    "you can't expect the fabric of society to survive if you do away with all moral imperatives"

    similar: architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, edifice, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure, shell, skeleton, structure
    related: cage, lattice, network, contour, figure, outline, profile, shape, silhouette, chassis

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fabric

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fabric:

cloth, textile, architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, edifice, frame, framework, framing, infrastructure, shell, skeleton, structure

Related Words for Fabric

fiber, thread, yarn, rag, cage, lattice, network, contour, figure, outline, profile, shape, silhouette, chassis

Origin & Etymology of Fabric

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *dhabh-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *dhabh-r-sneh2) + -icus -ic:1

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Fabric

Words & Phrases Containing Fabric

fabric softener

Frequently Asked Questions about Fabric

What does "Fabric" mean?

"Fabric" means structure, building. As a noun, it is defined as: structure, building. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Fabric"?

Other words for "Fabric" include cloth, textile, architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, edifice and frame. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fabric" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fabric"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fabric". Common alternatives include cloth, textile, architecture, armature, cadre, configuration, edifice, frame, framework and framing.

How do you use "Fabric" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fabric" in a sentence: "a fabric that is supposed to repel rain while at the same time allowing the wearer's perspiration to escape"; "you can't expect the fabric of society to survive if you do away with all moral imperatives".

Is "Fabric" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fabric" is a noun.

Is "Fabric" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Fabric" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Fabric"?

"Fabric" is pronounced /ˈfa-brik/ and divided into syllables as fab·ric.

What is the origin of the word "Fabric"?

"Fabric" comes from borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *dhabh-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *dhabh-r-sneh2) + -icus -ic:1. First known use: 15th century.