steel wool

noun

: an abrasive material composed of long fine steel shavings and used especially for scouring and burnishing

Examples of steel wool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rust spots on stainless steel are usually from leaving metal items (like steel wool pads or pots and pans) sitting in the sink. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025 Fine-grade steel wool can gently be used on cast iron, stainless steel, and enamel cookware. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025 Their house had heat-resistant windows, a fireproof clay roof, walls made of concrete instead of wood, and vents stuffed with steel wool to keep embers from flying into the house. Eli Saslow, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 Ditch it: TikTok cocktails with dry ice or burning steel wool. Anna Spiegel, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for steel wool 

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steel wool was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near steel wool

Cite this Entry

“Steel wool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steel%20wool. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

steel wool

noun
: a rough material composed of long fine steel shavings and used especially for cleaning and polishing

More from Merriam-Webster on steel wool

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