buckram

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "buckram" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a type of stiff fabric often used in bookbinding or as a backing material. Example: "The book's cover was made of buckram, giving it a durable and elegant appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

In time the stomacher grew more rigid, being stiffened with pasteboard or buckram.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The habitually aloof Balenciaga admitted that he was appalled by the way Dior treated textiles — backing them with multi-layers of canvas, buckram, or tulle, rather than "letting fabric speak for itself," which was the pith of his own aesthetic credo.

The New Yorker

His mission to correct its flaws with a nip and a tuck, an arcing seam, a buckram implant, a cushion of air between skin and cloth diminished his relevance, even as it enhanced his prestige as an anatomist.

The New Yorker

I remember the day that this teacher handed me the jacketless hardback of "The Charioteer," with its dark-gray buckram boards.

The New Yorker

She began by working on the institute's old buckram dress forms, reshaping them with cotton batting and surgical mesh, but one day she was handed a gown by Madame Grès that had started to tear, and was told to mend it.

The New Yorker

He has spent literally several years at the Johnson Library, in Austin, Tex., painstakingly going through the red buckram boxes that contain Johnson's papers, and he has been the first researcher to open some of the most revealing files there.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

CONS: The house is on a hill above Buckram Road, and the Locust Valley Volunteer Fire Department building is just below.

The New York Times

Reception: April 1 at 2 p.m. Hours: Mondays through Wednesdays, 9 15 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. Public Library, 170 Buckram Road.

The New York Times

Collections at Munnysunk Bailey Arboretum, 194 Bayville Road near Buckram Road, Lattingtown, N.Y.; [phone].

The New York Times

Baby, It's Warm Inside BARNEY'S -- 315 Buckram Road, Locust Valley, [phone].

The New York Times

He will face competition from the sophomore Donald Buckram and the redshirt freshman Vernon Frazier, though depth will be a concern: The junior Jason Williams will redshirt this season after injuring his ankle in the spring game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical garments or bookbinding, using "buckram" adds specificity and a touch of historical accuracy. It evokes the traditional materials and techniques of the past.

Common error

Avoid using "buckram" when describing contemporary garment construction or bookbinding if modern synthetic stiffeners or fabrics are actually used. "Buckram" specifically refers to a traditional linen or hemp fabric treated with glue or sizing.

Linguistic Context

The noun "buckram" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a type of coarse cloth stiffened for use in garments or bookbinding. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing historical fashion and book construction. It also can function as a verb, although this usage is much less common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "buckram" refers to a stiffened cloth, traditionally made of linen or hemp, used in garments and bookbinding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and finds its place primarily in News & Media contexts. While "buckram" might not be an everyday term, understanding its specific meaning adds precision to descriptions of historical fashion and book construction. When precision is needed, consider using related phrases like "stiffened fabric" or "bookbinding material".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stiffened fabric

Focuses on the key property of buckram: its stiffness.

bookbinding material

Specifies a common application of buckram.

book cloth

A more general term for fabrics used in book covers, including buckram.

coarse linen

Highlights the material composition of buckram.

fabric stiffener

Describes the function of buckram.

sized cloth

Emphasizes the treatment applied to buckram.

supportive textile

Highlights the structural role of the material.

stiffening agent

Describes the purpose of buckram.

durable covering

Emphasizes the protective aspect.

glued hemp

Highlights another material composition of buckram.

FAQs

How is "buckram" typically used in historical contexts?

"Buckram" was often used to stiffen garments like stomachers and as a durable covering for books, providing structure and support.

What materials are similar to "buckram"?

Similar materials include "stiffened linen", "sized cloth", and other heavily treated fabrics designed for support and durability.

Can "buckram" be replaced with modern materials in bookbinding?

Yes, modern bookbinding often uses synthetic alternatives that offer similar stiffness and durability but may differ in composition and feel.

Is "buckram" still used in fashion today?

While less common, "buckram" may still be used in high-end couture or historical reproductions where traditional materials are preferred.