flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈfla-nᵊl 

1

a

: a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface

b

: a napped cotton fabric of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel

c

: a stout cotton fabric usually napped on one side

2

flannels plural

a

: flannel underwear

b

: outer garments of flannel

especially : men's trousers

3

British : washcloth

4

British : flattering or evasive talk

also : nonsense, rubbish

flannel adjective

flannelly

ˈfla-nᵊl-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• adulation
• blarney
• butter
• flattery
• incense
• overpraise
• soft soap
• sweet talk
• taffy

Examples of flannel in a Sentence

shirts made of bright-colored flannel

He wore a dark blazer and gray flannels.

Recent Examples on the Web

The pants, which come in regular, tall, and petite lengths, combine cozy Italian flannel fabric with sharp tailoring for a fit that’s relaxed yet polished. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

And nothing says a damp spring day along the Charles River like a pair of flannel or corduroy trousers. —Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2025

Most of the collection centers on a gray color palette, but Ferguson injected pops of color that added a youthfulness to the collection, like a gray flannel cardigan with orange buttons, a boxy purple crewneck sweater and a black and white graphic cardigan. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025

The blanket’s fabric is flannel on one side and faux shearling on the other, a combination that many reviewers say feels soft and cozy. —Clint Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flaunneol woolen cloth or garment

First Known Use

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flannel

• canton flannel
• red flannel hash

Kids Definition

flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈflan-ᵊl 

1

: a soft cloth made of wool or cotton

2

plural : flannel underwear or trousers