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

Denim culottes, jodhpurs, button-down shirts and a denim top with a kerchief-like neckline co-mingled with leather riding boots, flannel tops and leather and fur jackets in rusty hues. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Feb. 2025

But there are plenty of other options on the Snaps website for customers to buy, ranging from long-sleeve flannels in plaid for $71.40, ginghams for $109 and short-sleeve solids for $89. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025

Other flannels are made of synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic. —Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025

Alba’s creations are cut from plush materials such as corduroy and flannel, featuring natural shoulders and only the lightest of canvasing in the chest, which results in a less-formal look. —Aleks Cvetkovic, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for flannel

• annal
• annul
• cannel
• channel
• panel
• pannel
• multichannel
• perianal

Kids Definition

flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈflan-ᵊl 

1

: a soft cloth made of wool or cotton

2

plural : flannel underwear or trousers