chenille

noun

che·​nille shə-ˈnēl 

1

: a wool, cotton, silk, or rayon yarn with protruding pile

also : a pile-face fabric with a filling of this yarn

2

: an imitation of chenille yarn or fabric

Examples of chenille in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s woven with a chenille blend that’s soft and warm, easy to clean, and won’t fade — even after years of use. —Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Crafted with an anti-wrinkle chenille fabric, the couch is soft to the touch and has a sophisticated, modern look. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025

Made in Italy, Clarkson’s coat featured a suede-like texture created by a chenille yarn and fine wool and a knitted fur shawl collar, which was replicated in the lower hem and cuffs. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

Made from a premium chenille material, this blanket is plush and warm, but will also look great draped over a chair or the couch, thanks to its thick, knitted texture. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, caterpillar, from Latin canicula, diminutive of canis dog; from its hairy appearance — more at hound

First Known Use

circa 1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chenille

• fennel
• henle
• kennel
• antennal
• departmental

Kids Definition

chenille

noun

che·​nille shə-ˈnē(ə)l 

: a thick fuzzy fabric