Definition

A material that looks like leather but is made from synthetic materials, often used for upholstery and clothing.

Example

The sofa is covered in a soft leatherette that is easy to clean.

Conversation

Have you seen that new sofa made of leatherette?

Yeah, it looks really stylish and easy to clean!

I love how it looks like real leather but is more affordable than that.

Exactly! Plus, it's great for people who want a vegan option.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Leatherette is formed from "leather" (from Old English *leðer*, meaning animal hide) and "-ette" (a diminutive suffix in French, meaning small or little). The word "leatherette" refers to a material that resembles leather but is typically made from synthetic materials, suggesting a smaller or lesser version of leather.

Memory Tip

Think of 'leather' as the real material and '-ette' as indicating something smaller or lesser, which helps you remember that leatherette is a synthetic material that mimics leather.

Visually Confused Words