Linen is a strong, smooth fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is often used for clothes, tablecloths, and bed sheets, especially in warm weather because it feels cool and breathes well.
The word comes from Old English “līn,” meaning “flax” or “linen,” related to Latin “līnum,” flax. The fabric was so common and important that it influenced words like “line” and “lingerie.”
Linen is one of the oldest fabrics humans have ever used; ancient Egyptians wrapped mummies in it. The word is so central to everyday life that we still say “linens” for household sheets and towels, even when they’re made of cotton or synthetics.
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