texture
1 of 2noun
tex·ture ˈteks-chər 
1
a
: the visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance of something
the texture of an oil painting
b
: the disposition or manner of union of the particles of a body or substance
2
a
: a composite of the elements of prose or poetry
all these words … meet violently to form a texture impressive and exciting
John Berryman
John Berryman b
: a pattern of musical sound created by tones or lines played or sung together
3
a
: essential part : substance
b
: identifying quality : character
4
a
: something composed of closely interwoven elements
specifically : a woven cloth
b
: the structure formed by the threads of a fabric
5
a
: basic scheme or structure
b
: overall structure
textural
ˈteks-chə-rəl
adjective texturally
ˈteks-chə-rə-lē
adverb textured
ˈteks-chərd
adjective textureless
ˈteks-chər-ləs
adjective texture
2 of 2verb
textured; texturing
transitive verb
: to give a particular texture to
Example Sentences
Noun wood with a rough texture the smooth texture of silk The plant's leaves are almost leathery in texture. foods with very different textures The custard should be smooth and creamy in texture. a song with layered textures I liked the raw, gritty texture of the film. The movies are similar in texture. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Wsj Off Duty Editors, WSJ, 10 Sep. 2022 Then, to achieve the grungy, moisture-dense texture seen on Ella Emhoff, Frausto saturated the hair with Bumble and Bumble Bb. Michella Oré, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2022 Carpets warm a home by adding color, pattern, and texture. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2022 Just like most of Tatcha's products, the Forest Awakening collection is suitable for most skin types (and pregnancy!), and is ideal for minimizing dryness while evening skin's texture. Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Sep. 2022 Rogue One does the same, devoting much of its screen time to establishing scale and texture. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2022 Boiling your hot dog in beer can give it a mellow flavor and tender texture, which differs from boiling it in regular water, according to mygourmetconnection.com. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2022 But little else rings true in a drama curiously lacking in texture, which misses the mark in lifeless scene after scene. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2022 On the other end of the texture spectrum is the isaw, or intestines: wrinkly whorls that give off a wild musk inextricable from the organ’s primal umami. Jiayang Fan, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2022 Jamie Wilson, Harper's BAZAAR, 25 May 2022 This helps provide bounce, volume, and also texture to hair. Chris Hachey, BGR, 29 Apr. 2022 The thick, gel-like formula has niacinamide to even texture and the same Barbados cherries as the Cleans'r to give you that dewy glow. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 25 Mar. 2022 This seasonally appropriate linen iteration boasts a nice, nubbly texture that distinguishes it from stock wool suits. Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 22 Mar. 2022 Cassanos: Previous owners decided to texture all the walls in the master bedroom. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2022 Some autistic people can’t tolerate face masks because of sensitivity to touch and texture. Washington Post, 28 July 2021 The board offered input on when Addy’s story should be set, how best to convey a sense of the lived experience of slavery, what texture to make the doll’s hair and other details used to maintain historical accuracy. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2021 The stainless steel blades are designed to pulverize through stems, skins, and seeds to give you a smooth, even texture every time. Sam Lauron, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2021 See More
Noun
Layer yours with nappy-but-breathable flannel sheets (from $169 for twin set, Brooklinen.com) and a thermal throw whose waffle texture has been fashioned into a boxy basket weave ($129, TheCompanyStore.com). Wsj Off Duty Editors, WSJ, 10 Sep. 2022 Then, to achieve the grungy, moisture-dense texture seen on Ella Emhoff, Frausto saturated the hair with Bumble and Bumble Bb. Michella Oré, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2022 Carpets warm a home by adding color, pattern, and texture. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2022 Just like most of Tatcha's products, the Forest Awakening collection is suitable for most skin types (and pregnancy!), and is ideal for minimizing dryness while evening skin's texture. Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Sep. 2022 Rogue One does the same, devoting much of its screen time to establishing scale and texture. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2022 Boiling your hot dog in beer can give it a mellow flavor and tender texture, which differs from boiling it in regular water, according to mygourmetconnection.com. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2022 But little else rings true in a drama curiously lacking in texture, which misses the mark in lifeless scene after scene. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2022 On the other end of the texture spectrum is the isaw, or intestines: wrinkly whorls that give off a wild musk inextricable from the organ’s primal umami. Jiayang Fan, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2022 Verb
Some exfoliants can produce a noticeable difference in skin tone and texture almost instantly. Jamie Wilson, Harper's BAZAAR, 25 May 2022 This helps provide bounce, volume, and also texture to hair. Chris Hachey, BGR, 29 Apr. 2022 The thick, gel-like formula has niacinamide to even texture and the same Barbados cherries as the Cleans'r to give you that dewy glow. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 25 Mar. 2022 This seasonally appropriate linen iteration boasts a nice, nubbly texture that distinguishes it from stock wool suits. Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 22 Mar. 2022 Cassanos: Previous owners decided to texture all the walls in the master bedroom. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2022 Some autistic people can’t tolerate face masks because of sensitivity to touch and texture. Washington Post, 28 July 2021 The board offered input on when Addy’s story should be set, how best to convey a sense of the lived experience of slavery, what texture to make the doll’s hair and other details used to maintain historical accuracy. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2021 The stainless steel blades are designed to pulverize through stems, skins, and seeds to give you a smooth, even texture every time. Sam Lauron, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun
Latin textura, from textus, past participle of texere to weave — more at technical
First Known Use
Noun
1578, in the meaning defined at sense 4a
Verb
1694, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
texture
noun
tex·ture ˈteks-chər
: the structure, feel, and appearance of something