stiffener

[stˈɪfənɚ] /-f(ə)nə(r) How to pronounce stiffener (audio)/ (ame, mw)

stiffener — noun

1. a firm piece or layer added inside clothing, hats, bags, folders, or similar ite

1.名詞C1
釋義

a firm piece or layer added inside clothing, hats, bags, folders, or similar items so they keep their shape and do not bend too easily

例句

The tailor slipped a stiffener into the collar before sewing the shirt closed.

put a stiffener into a collar

A thin plastic stiffener keeps the document folder from bending in Elena's backpack.

同義詞
  • insert

    broader term for any piece put inside something, not only for shape support

  • interfacing

    sewing term for the inner layer that adds body to fabric parts such as collars and cuffs

  • support panel

    used especially for bags, folders, or other flat products rather than clothing

文法句型

put a stiffener into [collar/bag/hat]

sew a stiffener into [item]

用法筆記

Usually refers to a hidden or partly hidden piece that stays inside the finished item. Distinguish from sense 3, which is a substance brushed or sprayed on, and from sense 2, which is a load-bearing support part.

常見錯誤

❌The bag has a stiffener, so it feels like stone.
✅The bag has a stiffener, so it keeps its shape.
💡a stiffener supports form; it does not mean the whole item is extremely hard.

2. a bar, rib, or other support piece fixed to a panel, frame, or surface to stop i

2.名詞C1
釋義

a bar, rib, or other support piece fixed to a panel, frame, or surface to stop it from bending or buckling under pressure

例句

Engineers welded a stiffener across the steel plate to stop it warping.

weld a stiffener across a plate

Each shelf has a metal stiffener underneath to carry the weight of the books.

同義詞
  • brace

    general word for a support, often diagonal rather than flat against a panel

  • rib

    usually a long narrow support ridge rather than any support piece

  • reinforcement

    broader term for anything added to strengthen a structure

文法句型

add a stiffener to [panel/door/shelf]

weld a stiffener across [plate]

用法筆記

This sense is used for structural work in metal, wood, plastic, or composite parts. Unlike sense 1, the stiffener is meant to take load and resist force, not simply help a soft item keep a neat shape.

常見錯誤

❌We painted the wall with a stiffener.
✅We bolted a stiffener to the wall frame.
💡in this sense a stiffener is a solid support part, not a liquid treatment.

3. a liquid, powder, or similar substance used to make fabric, paper, ribbon, or an

3.名詞C1
釋義

a liquid, powder, or similar substance used to make fabric, paper, ribbon, or another material firmer and less floppy

例句

The bookbinder brushed a stiffener onto the cover so the corners stayed flat.

brush a stiffener onto a cover

Aoi sprayed a light stiffener on the ribbon before tying the bow.

同義詞
  • sizing

    common term for a treatment that adds body to paper or fabric

  • starch

    specific household stiffener used mainly on clothing and table linen

  • hardener

    broader term that can make many materials firmer, not only fabric or paper

反義詞
  • softener

    substance used to make fabric or another material feel less stiff

文法句型

brush a stiffener onto [surface]

mix a stiffener into [paste/liquid]

用法筆記

Usually refers to something applied during making, washing, or repairing rather than a visible part left inside the object. Distinguish from sense 1, where the stiffener is a physical insert you can remove or replace.

常見錯誤

❌The engineer installed a stiffener under the bridge deck.
✅The engineer installed a reinforcement rib under the bridge deck.
💡a fabric or paper stiffener is a treatment substance, not a structural support.

4. a worker whose job was to treat and size hats so they became firm and held the p

4.名詞C2
釋義

a worker whose job was to treat and size hats so they became firm and held the proper shape

例句

The museum label explained that a stiffener shaped felt hats in the workshop.

stiffener as historical hat trade job

In the old factory, the stiffener worked beside the men who cut the brims.

同義詞
  • hatter

    broader word for a person who makes or sells hats, not this specific workshop role

  • finisher

    factory job title for someone doing final shaping or finishing work

文法句型

work as a stiffener

a stiffener in a hat factory

用法筆記

This is a historical trade term, mainly seen in old factory records, census documents, and writing about hat making. It names a production worker, not a person selling hats in a shop.

常見錯誤

❌The stiffener sold hats to tourists all afternoon.
✅The stiffener shaped and sized hats in the workshop.
💡the word names a worker in production, not a shop assistant.

5. a strong alcoholic drink taken to warm yourself up or steady your nerves before

5.名詞C2
釋義

a strong alcoholic drink taken to warm yourself up or steady your nerves before something difficult

例句

Before the night crossing, the captain poured each sailor a stiffener from the bottle.

pour someone a stiffener

Nikos joked that he needed a stiffener before greeting the whole wedding party.

need a stiffener before a stressful event

同義詞
  • bracer

    closest traditional word for a drink taken to give energy or courage

  • shot

    neutral modern word for a small strong drink, without the same old-fashioned tone

  • nip

    small amount of strong alcohol, often informal or dialectal

文法句型

need a stiffener before [event]

take a stiffener

用法筆記

Usually refers to a quick strong drink rather than an ordinary drink with a meal. The tone is often old-fashioned or slightly humorous, and the drink is taken for courage or warmth.

常見錯誤

❌We ordered stiffeners with dinner.
✅He took a stiffener before dinner.
💡this sense usually means a quick strong drink for warmth or courage, not an ordinary meal drink.