sisal

noun

si·​sal ˈsī-səl How to pronounce sisal (audio)
-zəl
1
a
: a strong white fiber used especially for cordage and twine

called also sisal hemp

b
: a widely cultivated Mexican agave (Agave sisalana) whose leaves yield sisal
2
: any of several fibers similar to true sisal

Examples of sisal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For instance, a large sisal in the front hall (often used for scooting and changing in and out of winter gear) has held up well for a number of years, and Lederman’s wool rugs in other rooms are easily spot-treated. Ariel Okin, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024 And on the hardwood floor, a large cowhide rug in shades of taupe layered over a taupe wool sisal define the seating area. Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 The interior’s relaxed color palette of soft peaches, greens, and blues mirror the hues of Barbados itself and natural fiber rugs crafted from jute and sisal add textures that evoke the feeling of walking on sand. Anna Kim, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024 Its 52100 ball-bearing steel breezed through 20 cuts of one-inch sisal rope, maintaining a sharp edge throughout the test. Matthew Every, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024 This benefits local farmers since sisal rope and even sisal fibers sell for 10 times as much as sisal leaves. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 9 Dec. 2023 In that similar vein, English says grasscloth and sisal wall covering are coming back in a big way. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 29 Dec. 2023 Another beach house must is adding textures from local, natural materials like seagrass, jute, raffia, sisal, and bamboo that bring in the outdoors while being incredibly durable. Marisa Spyker, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2023 Solid colors or stripes replaced the manifold colors and patterns, leather handles were used in place of sisal, and upcycled or recycled plastic supplanted the virgin plastic the women had traditionally braided together with sisal. Nicole Davis, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sisal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Sisal, port in Yucatán, Mexico

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sisal was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near sisal

Cite this Entry

“Sisal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sisal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sisal

noun
si·​sal ˈsī-səl How to pronounce sisal (audio)
-zəl
1
: a strong durable white fiber used to make ropes and twine
2
: a widely grown tropical Mexican agave with leaves that produce sisal

More from Merriam-Webster on sisal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!