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 couple’s ‘official’ pregnancy photos, which feature 27-year-old Alex sporting her baby bump in a beige off-the-shoulder dress and Mauricio in a cozy flannel, were shot by a friend, Betsy Dutcher, with the family’s expansive ranch as the backdrop. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2024

Festive flannel shirts from Madewell and Prada are the ultimate transitional piece—stylish for now and once again for spring. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2024

And make sure your toddler is dinner-ready for Grandma's house in a dapper flannel long-sleeve shirt for only $10. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 28 Nov. 2024

What not to buy on Black Friday Typically, Black Friday is a great time to find rock-bottom prices on fall clothing — including flannels, denim, coats and accessories — as well as televisions and consumer electronics. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024

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