2 syllables: Gros, grain. Stress on Gros.
GROH-grayn
/ˈɡroʊˌɡreɪn/
Grosgrain is pronounced GROH-grayn (/ˈɡroʊˌɡreɪn/). It has two syllables (Gros-grain), with the stress on "Gros". Grosgrain is a tightly woven fabric characterized by a ribbed, cord-like surface, traditionally used for ribbons and trims. It typically refers to a sturdy, plain-weave textile with a pronounced diagonal or horizontal rib. In fashion, grosgrain denotes both the fabric and the durable, ridged ribbon often used for edging, bows, and hatbands.
nounGrosgrain is a tightly woven fabric characterized by a ribbed, cord-like surface, traditionally used for ribbons and trims. It typically refers to a sturdy, plain-weave textile with a pronounced diagonal or horizontal rib. In fashion, grosgrain denotes both the fabric and the durable, ridged ribbon often used for edging, bows, and hatbands.
How to Pronounce Grosgrain
"She stitched a grosgrain ribbon along the bottom hem for a crisp finish."
"The hat featured a grosgrain band that complemented the linen dress."
"She favored grosgrain for its structure and subtle sheen in craft projects."
You pronounce it GROH-sgrayn, with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US: ˈɡroʊˌɡreɪn, UK: ˈɡrəʊsˌɡreɪn, AU: ˈɡrəʊsˌɡreɪn. Start with /ɡr/ together, then the long /oʊ/ in the first syllable, followed by /ɡreɪn/ in the second. The second syllable is a clear /ɡreɪn/ as in rain, not a separate ‘grain’ sound. Visually, your mouth forms a rounded /oʊ/ then relaxes to /ɡreɪn/. Audio reference: compare to “gross grain” with a long first vowel and crisp /ɡreɪn/.
Two frequent errors: (1) second syllable stress or velocity, saying groS-GRAIN or GRO-GRAIN; (2) merging /ɡrəʊs/ or mispronouncing the initial /ɡr/ cluster, e.g., /ɡroʊz/ or /ɡrəz/. Correct form keeps main stress on GRO, with /ɡreɪn/ as the second, not a heavy vowel misfit. Practice by isolating /ɡroʊ/ then transition to /ˈɡroʊˌɡreɪn/ (US) or /ˈɡrəʊˌɡreɪn/ (UK/AU) and avoid adding an extra syllable. Use minimal pair practice: groh-srain vs gros-rain to feel the separation and stress.
US often uses /ˈɡroʊˌɡreɪn/ with a clear /oʊ/ in first syllable and rhotic /ɹ/ influence subtly; UK/AU typically favor /ˈɡrəʊˌɡreɪn/ or /ˈɡroʊˌɡreɪn/ depending on speaker, with less rhoticity in some UK varieties and a more centralized first vowel in AU. In all accents, the second syllable contains /ɡreɪn/; the main variation lies in the first syllable vowel and rhoticity: rhotics in US, non-rhotics in some UK variants, and varying /oʊ/ vs /əʊ/ realizations. Listen for the crisp /ɡr/ onset and the end rhymes with rain.
The difficulty comes from the two consecutive syllables with a strong kick from the /ɡr/ cluster and a diphthong in the first syllable. The tricky part is maintaining separate /roʊ/ or /rəʊ/ vs /reɪ/ sequences and avoiding a slurred /ɡrəˈɡreɪn/. You’ll hear a sharp, clipped first syllable followed by a longer /ɡreɪn/; practice by slow, exaggerated enunciation, then speed up while keeping the two syllables distinct. IPA cues help: /ˈɡroʊˌɡreɪn/ (US) vs /ˈɡrəʊˌɡreɪn/ (UK/AU).
A unique aspect is the cohesive /ɡroʊ/ or /ɡrəʊ/ onset followed by /ɡreɪn/, producing a dual-rhyming, two-syllable structure that is not a common English asset aside from similar words like ‘crograin’ (less common). The pronunciation hinges on preserving the bold first syllable and a strong second syllable that rhymes with rain; don’t flip the order or collapse the syllables. This structure—two robust, rhyming segments—helps you remember the word and its stress pattern.
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Grosgrain originated from the French gros-grain, literally meaning 'thick grain' or 'large thread'. The term combines gros (thick, large) and grain (grain, texture) and entered English in the 19th century in reference to fabrics with a pronounced rib or cord. Historically, grosgrain ribbons were produced with a heavy, cross-loom weave that produced the durable, stiff tape used in millinery, belts, and trims. The fabric achieved popularity in the garment and hat industries for its crisp appearance and resistance to fraying. Over time, grosgrain expanded beyond ribbons to describe the broader ribbed weave pattern used in various fabrics. Today, grosgrain continues to signify a sturdy, ribbed textile with high body and slight sheen, commonly used in fashion and crafts. First known uses appear in textile catalogs of the early 1800s, with French manufacturers describing the characteristic 'grain' of the surface in both ribbon and fabric forms. The term has since become a standard in fashion terminology, retaining its association with durable, matte to subtly glossy surfaces and its iconic ribbed texture. Historically, the word reflects a material standard rather than a single decorative style, explaining its lasting presence in dressmaking, millinery, and craft work.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Grosgrain" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Grosgrain"
-ain sounds
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