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

This will prevent lint from building up on the rubber material. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024

This reusable lint roller requires no adhesives or sticky tape and can be used repeatedly. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024

How to Clean Kitchen Countertops—Our Best Tricks for Any Material Vinyl Flooring A layer of hairspray on a vinyl floor can leave behind a sticky feeling that becomes a trap for hair, lint, dust, and more—not to mention an uncomfortable feel underfoot. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2024

Items that shed lint should also be washed separately from corduroy or other fabrics that attract lint, the website advises. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 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