texture

1 of 2

noun

tex·​ture ˈteks-chər How to pronounce texture (audio)
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
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 How to pronounce texture (audio)
adjective
texturally
ˈteks-chə-rə-lē How to pronounce texture (audio)
adverb
textured
ˈteks-chərd How to pronounce texture (audio)
adjective
textureless
ˈteks-chər-ləs How to pronounce texture (audio)
adjective

texture

2 of 2

verb

textured; texturing

transitive verb

: to give a particular texture to

Examples of texture in a Sentence

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Unsurprisingly, the formulas speak the same language, pairing nourishing, botanical-forward ingredients (like sunflower oil and rosemary extract) with lightweight textures designed to hydrate, smooth, and style without piling on the weight. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026 However, very few devices addressed the emotional texture of everyday life. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
Instead of smooth slabs, every surface around the rover is textured by small polygons, each a few inches across, as if someone covered Mars in honeycomb wallpaper. — Ashwin R. Vasavada, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Of course, even a D’Angelo scratch vocal makes for a pristine chorus, especially over a Dilla groove elegantly textured with prickly guitars and burbling marimbas. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for texture

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin textura, from textus, past participle of texere to weave — more at technical

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Verb

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of texture was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

textural
texture
textured vegetable protein
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Texture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/texture. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

texture

1 of 2 noun
tex·​ture ˈteks-chər How to pronounce texture (audio)
1
: the structure, feel, and appearance of something (as a fabric)
the smooth texture of silk
wood with a rough texture
2
: a quality that identifies something
textured
-chərd How to pronounce texture (audio)
adjective

texture

2 of 2 verb
textured; texturing
: to give a particular texture to
texture a ceiling

More from Merriam-Webster on texture

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about texture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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