tiffany

tiffany — noun

1. a very thin, light silk cloth that is slightly transparent, used in the 1800s an

1.nounC1
Definition

a very thin, light silk cloth that is slightly transparent, used in the 1800s and early 1900s for making dresses, scarves, and decorative trims

Example

Élise found a nineteenth-century evening gown made of ivory tiffany silk at the antique fair.

uncountable noun; historical textile context

The costume designer chose tiffany gauze for the bridal veil — it was light and translucent.

tiffany gauze — historical silk type

Common collocations
  • tiffany silk
  • tiffany gauze
  • tiffany scarf
  • tiffany trim
  • tiffany fabric
Synonyms
  • gauze

    a general term for thin, transparent fabric; tiffany is a specific type of silk gauze

  • chiffon

    a modern lightweight silk fabric; chiffon is still commonly used, while tiffany is historical

Usage Note

Now mainly encountered in historical or museum contexts. Modern use is very rare outside of costume design or antique textiles.

2. a loosely woven cotton cloth with small holes visible between the threads, used

2.nounC1
Definition

a loosely woven cotton cloth with small holes visible between the threads, used for straining liquids, wrapping food, or in craft projects

Example

The chef strained the broth through tiffany cloth to remove all the herbs.

strain [liquid] through tiffany cloth

Gardeners sometimes cover young seedlings with tiffany cotton to protect them from insects.

Common collocations
  • tiffany cloth
  • tiffany cotton
  • tiffany fabric
  • layer of tiffany
  • strip of tiffany
Synonyms
  • cheesecloth

    the more common modern term for loosely woven cotton mesh; tiffany is an older or specialized name

  • muslin

    a plain-woven cotton cloth, but usually tighter-woven than tiffany

Usage Note

Often used interchangeably with cheesecloth. The term tiffany for cotton mesh is less common in modern everyday English.

Common Mistakes

She wore a dress made of tiffany cotton mesh to the party.
She used tiffany cotton to strain the homemade yogurt.
This fabric is not used for clothing; it is an open-mesh utility cloth.

tiffany — adjective

tiffany — idiom

Word family

  • Tiffany-style
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four terms describe lightweight, semi-transparent fabrics, but they differ in material and historical use. Gauze is the broadest term — any thin, open-weave fabric. Chiffon is a modern silk or synthetic fabric with a soft drape and crinkled surface, still widely used in evening wear. Organza is a stiffer transparent silk or synthetic fabric that holds its shape, often used for formal gowns and wedding dresses. Silk muslin is a plain-weave silk with a slightly denser structure than tiffany. Tiffany specifically refers to a historical silk gauze used in the 19th century for trims and light clothing, and is rarely seen in modern fashion. If you are describing a vintage garment from the 1800s, tiffany is the precise term; for a modern dress, chiffon or organza would be more appropriate.

gauzechiffonorganzasilk muslin

Etymology

GreekLatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'tiffany' comes from the Old French 'tifanie', meaning 'Epiphany' (the Christian feast on January 6). In medieval times, fine silk fabrics were associated with the luxurious garments worn during Epiphany celebrations. Over time, 'tiffany' became the name for a type of sheer silk cloth. The surname 'Tiffany' (as in Charles Lewis Tiffany and Louis Comfort Tiffany) is a variant of 'Theophany', from the Greek 'theophaneia' (θεοφάνεια), meaning 'manifestation of God' — unrelated to the fabric term but sharing the same root in the concept of divine appearance.