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

The rebuild the Hawks tried to put behind them this season is clinging to them like stubborn lint. —Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2025

Also, considering that 27% of house fires are caused by lint build-up in clothes dryers, cleaning out the duct at least once per year is a must. —Ryan Barone, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Use a lint roller: Not just for laundry, a lint roller can remove piles of pet hair in the blink of an eye. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Jan. 2025

Dry methods included running a lint roller or brush over the upholstery to remove some loose hairs. —Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

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