lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

a

: a soft fleecy material made from linen usually by scraping

b

: fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric

2

: a fibrous coat of thick convoluted hairs borne by cotton seeds that yields the cotton staple

lintless

ˈlint-ləs 

adjective

linty

ˈlin-tē 

adjective

Synonyms

• down
• floss
• fluff
• fur
• fuzz
• nap
• pile

Examples of lint in a Sentence

I always have lint in my pocket.

The clothes dryer was clogged with lint.

Recent Examples on the Web

Using a lint roller on upholstered pieces of furniture like couches and occasional chairs is an easy and quick way to combat the dust that settles on the fabric on the back that faces that lines the wall or any other part of the fabric as well. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024

So when the cleaning bug bites you, add these items to your ‘To Clean’ or ‘To Use’ list: A lint roller to pick up small particles vacuums leave behind. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024

The same goes for dryers—all of the lint that gets collected can spread throughout the machine and clothes and cause a mess. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024

For furnishings, spot cleaning when needed and lint rolling and/or regular vacuuming can help keep your furnishings in good shape. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

: loose fibers or bits of thread

2

: cotton entry 1 sense 1a

lintless

-ləs 

adjective

linty

-ē 

adjective

Medical Definition

lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

: a soft fleecy material used for poultices and dressings for wounds and made from linen usually by scraping

2

British : sterile cotton cloth used for dressings