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

Watch this video for 4 different ways to use a lint roller in your home. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

Most of the time, Parker Chase’s positive reviews come from small details, like lint rollers in the laundry room. —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025

Step 2: Clean All Vent Sites Use a vacuum cleaner or shop vacuum to clear any lint and other debris out of the vent hole at the back of the dryer. —Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2025

How to Deep-Clean Your Hairbrush What's that grey lint covering your hairbrush? —Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for lint

• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint
• mint
• print
• quint
• quinte
• splint
• sprint
• squint
• stint

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