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damask

dam·ask [ ˈda-məsk]

damask

noun

[ˈda-məsk]

Definition of damask

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a firm lustrous fabric (as of linen, cotton, silk, or rayon) made with flat patterns in a satin weave on a plain-woven ground on jacquard looms

2 : damascus steel
also : the characteristic markings of this steel

3 : a grayish red

damask

adjective

Definition of damask (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : made of or resembling damask

2 : of the color damask

Did You Know

Noun

The English noun "damask" entered Middle English (as "damaske") from Medieval Latin damascus, taken from the name of the city of Damascus, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. In contemporary English "damask" is applied to a lustrous fabric with a satin weave design, as well as to a type of steel (also called "Damascus steel") ornamented with a variegated surface and to a grayish red color associated with the damask rose. While the fabric, the steel, and the damask rose probably did not originate in Damascus, their long association with the ancient city has nevertheless impressed itself upon the English language.

Recent Examples on the Web

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
//Each chapter presents copious riffs on specific styles, such as chinoiserie, stripes, damask and ikat, while unlocking the secrets to successful layering.
— Elizabeth Anne Hartman, WSJ, "The Best Interior-Design Books to Give as Holiday Presents," 5 Dec. 2018
//Upholstery, whether for curtains, pillows, or furniture, tend to favor high-end fabrics like silk, velvet, and leather, and bold pattern comes in the form of damask, plaid, or paisley.
— Sienna Fantozzi, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need To Know About Traditional Design," 12 Oct. 2018
//Patterns range from stripes and geometrics to florals and damasks, all using Farrow & Ball’s traditional trough and block printing methods.
— Megan Barber, Curbed, "Farrow & Ball launches whimsical wallpaper at Anthropologie," 27 Aug. 2018
//In a London townhouse decorated by Rob Southern, entry walls are covered in a classic damask pattern printed on raffia paper by Stark.
— Sarah Yang, House Beautiful, "Top Pin of the Day: An Entry in a London Townhouse," 10 June 2014
//Silk damask, Delobo in Coral on Natural — Pintura Studio (T); pinturastudio.com.
— House Beautiful, "March 2018 Product Guide," 6 Feb. 2018
//Coben took inspiration from Victorian textiles to create a custom damask motif for wall coverings in a subdued palette of blues, grays, and metallics, an update on the usual scheme of deep reds and burgundies.
— Jennifer Fernandez, ELLE Decor, "Be The First To Stay At This Stunning Saratoga Springs Grande Dame Hotel Reborn," 17 Nov. 2017
//Wolfe, presumably with hands in pockets, has pulled his pale jacket back to reveal the famed vestee, the wide damask tie skewered with a fancy cravat pin, pocket handkerchief fanning open like a magnolia in bloom.
— Hamish Bowles, Vogue, "Tom Wolfe: Remembering the Iconic Style of “The Man in the White Suit”," 15 May 2018
//Each of the seven lavish suites is swathed in damask, silk brocade and zellige.
— Lindsay Cohn, ELLE Decor, "Why Every Culture Aficionado Needs to Visit Fez, Morocco," 6 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
//One of the documents, according to Clarke, includes an inventory of all the fineries that were transferred to Tutbury when Mary left the Earl of Shrewsbury’s charge—a list that includes damask tablecloths and napkins, plates, bowls and basins.
— Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "These Letters Tell the Inside Story of Mary, Queen of Scots’ Imprisonment," 8 Jan. 2018

First Known Use of damask

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for damask

Noun

Middle English damaske, from Medieval Latin damascus, from Damascus

Dictionary Entries near damask

Damascus iron

Damascus steel

Damascus ware