worsted
worsted Lexical Profile
worsted Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Made or consisting of smooth, tightly twisted wool yarn or fabric.
"The barrister wore a classic dark gray worsted suit to the courtroom."
Defeated, overcome, or outdone in a contest, argument, or struggle.
"The worsted challenger shook hands with the new champion before leaving the stage."
• noun
A firm, smooth-surfaced fabric woven from tightly twisted wool yarn, commonly used for tailored suits and trousers.
"The tailor recommended a lightweight worsted that would hold a sharp crease throughout the day."
A fine, smooth, compact yarn spun from combed long-staple wool fibers.
"She purchased several skeins of blue worsted to knit a durable winter sweater."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word "worsted" is a heteronym: when referring to the wool yarn or fabric, it is pronounced /ˈwʊstɪd/ or /ˈwɜːrstɪd/, whereas when used as the past tense of the verb "worst" (meaning to defeat), it is pronounced /ˈwɜːrstɪd/.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The textile sense derives from Middle English "worstede", named after the village of Worstead in Norfolk, England, which was a major center for wool weaving in the 12th century.