wool

noun

ˈwu̇l 

often attributive

1

: the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various hairy mammals and especially the sheep made up of a matrix of keratin fibers and covered with minute scales

2

: a product of wool

especially : a woven fabric or garment of such fabric

3

a

: a dense felted pubescence especially on a plant : tomentum

b

: a filamentous mass

—usually used in combination compare mineral wool, steel wool

Synonyms

• coat
• fleece
• fur
• hair
• jacket
• pelage
• pile

Examples of wool in a Sentence

She doesn't like wool because it can be itchy.

the wool from cashmere goats is considered by many to be the finest available

Recent Examples on the Web

The Min Bed from Design Within Reach is paired with custom wall-to-wall headboard panels in wool fabric from Holland & Sherry. —Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024

The Berber women use wool from the ancient, native Siroua sheep breed, dyeing material with natural colors, practicing the centuries-old classic Berber knot to create the striking patterns. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Dec. 2024

While not technically ski pants, Fjallraven’s Keb Trousers do the job for me when paired with a wool base layer underneath. —Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024

Look for products labeled wool wash or one recommended by Woolmark, the leader in wool textiles. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wolle, from Old English wull; akin to Old High German wolla wool, Latin vellus fleece, lana wool

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wool

• combing wool
• cotton wool
• cotton wool ball
• dyed-in-the-wool
• glass wool
• lamb's wool
• mineral wool
• pull the wool over one's eyes
• pull the wool over someone's eyes
• Shetland wool
• steel wool
• virgin wool
• wire wool
• wool fat
• wool grease

Kids Definition

wool

noun

ˈwu̇l 

1

: the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various mammals and especially the sheep

2

: a fabric or garment made of wool

3

: material that resembles a mass of wool

wooled

ˈwu̇ld

adjective