flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈfla-nᵊl 

1

a

: a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface

b

: a napped cotton fabric of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel

c

: a stout cotton fabric usually napped on one side

2

flannels plural

a

: flannel underwear

b

: outer garments of flannel

especially : men's trousers

3

British : washcloth

4

British : flattering or evasive talk

also : nonsense, rubbish

flannel adjective

flannelly

ˈfla-nᵊl-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• adulation
• blarney
• butter
• flattery
• incense
• overpraise
• soft soap
• sweet talk
• taffy

Examples of flannel in a Sentence

shirts made of bright-colored flannel

He wore a dark blazer and gray flannels.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s constructed from ultra plush flannel and has three heat settings. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024

The flannel shirt with the bold red-and-black pattern in your closet can be used as your ticket to deals this Halloween holiday. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024

Styling-wise, layer it atop a cashmere sweater, and then add a flannel shirt beneath that for a pop of color. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2024

Clad in a Springsteen-esque leather jacket and flannel shirt, the 33-year-old Emmy winner has become the Boss for the film, which is slated for a 2025 theatrical release. —Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flaunneol woolen cloth or garment

First Known Use

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flannel

• canton flannel
• red flannel hash

Kids Definition

flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈflan-ᵊl 

1

: a soft cloth made of wool or cotton

2

plural : flannel underwear or trousers