What does "texture" mean?
The feel or shape of a surface or substance; the smoothness, roughness, softness, etc. of something.
Texture
/ˈtɛkst͡ʃə(ɹ)/ adj, noun, verb, slang
adj, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The feel or shape of a surface or substance; the smoothness, roughness, softness, etc. of something.
- Grammar: texture is listed as adj, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: grain, alter, anatomy, arabesque.
- Useful contrasts: silhouetting.
- Usage evidence: Including responses up to 'It bothers me a bit', over 70% of respondents said that they were concerned about their pores and skin texture.
How to use "texture"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "texture" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "texture" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "texture" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "texture" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "texture" is acting as adj, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "grain" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "texture", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The feel or shape of a surface or substance; the smoothness, roughness, softness, etc. of something. countable, uncountable
"The beans had a grainy, gritty texture in her mouth."
- 2 the physical composition of something (especially with respect to the size and shape of the small constituents of a substance) wordnet
- 3 The quality given to a work of art by the composition and interaction of its parts. countable, uncountable
"The piece of music had a mainly homophonic texture."
- 4 the feel of a surface or a fabric wordnet
- 5 An image applied to a polygon to create the appearance of a surface. countable, uncountable
"The videocard is responsible for drawing every polygon, texture, and particle effect in every game you play."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 the characteristic appearance of a surface having a tactile quality wordnet
- 7 The act or art of weaving. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Skins, although a natural habit unto all before the invention of texture, was something more unto Adam."
- 8 the musical pattern created by parts being played or sung together wordnet
- 9 Something woven; a woven fabric; a web. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Others, apart far in the grassy dale, / Or roughening waste, their humble texture weave."
- 10 the essential quality of something wordnet
- 11 A tissue. countable, obsolete, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To create or apply a texture.
"Drag the trowel through the plaster to texture the wall."
Adjective
- 1 Having an intense texture; with a texture that causes a strong (often positive) reaction. slang
"I may suck at it, but when I get the nail polish *juuuust right* ¶ gosh, its just so texture~ ¶ whaaaat? noo, Im totally not autistic and stimming with every comfortable texture I can"
Antonyms
Example
"Including responses up to 'It bothers me a bit', over 70% of respondents said that they were concerned about their pores and skin texture."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "texture"?
Common synonyms include: grain, alter, anatomy, arabesque, architectonics, architecture.
How do you use "texture" in a sentence?
Including responses up to 'It bothers me a bit', over 70% of respondents said that they were concerned about their pores and skin texture.
How do you pronounce "texture"?
Pronounced /ˈtɛkst͡ʃə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French texture, borrowed from Latin textūra (“a weaving, web, texture, structure”), from textus, past participle of texere (“to weave”). See text. Doublet of tessitura.