any printed fabric, usually cotton, of the weight used chiefly for furniture upholstery, hangings, window drapery, and other comparatively heavy-duty household purposes. The fabric is similar to chintz but has a dull finish. The finer and lighter textures of cretonnes are made into smocks and other garments for women and children.

Although usually of cotton, cretonne may also be woven of linen, synthetic fibres, or combinations. The name is said to be derived from Créton, a village in Normandy, where linen was made.