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

Most washing machines have a filter that traps hair, lint, and other debris. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2024

That could be due to a buildup of dust, dirt and lint on the filter. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024

On the fifth floor, inspectors said, inmates were triple-bunked in a hot cell block where the air conditioners were filled with lint. —Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024

In addition to unplugging the dryer, clean it before leaving (and regularly throughout the year) to remove lint and dust buildup. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 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