wool

noun

ˈwu̇l 

often attributive

1

: the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various hairy mammals and especially the sheep made up of a matrix of keratin fibers and covered with minute scales

2

: a product of wool

especially : a woven fabric or garment of such fabric

3

a

: a dense felted pubescence especially on a plant : tomentum

b

: a filamentous mass

—usually used in combination compare mineral wool, steel wool

Synonyms

• coat
• fleece
• fur
• hair
• jacket
• pelage
• pile

Examples of wool in a Sentence

She doesn't like wool because it can be itchy.

the wool from cashmere goats is considered by many to be the finest available

Recent Examples on the Web

Eighth Generation blankets Eighth Generation sells wool blankets designed by Native American artists that make practical and beautiful gifts. —Melissa Santos, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

The first lady also wore Gabriela Hearst to celebrate her husband’s inauguration in 2021, sporting a cream wool coatdress with a hemline decorated in floral embroidery. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024

At Johnstons of Elgin, a remote wool mill in the Scottish Highlands, Shane C. Kurup explores a rich textile heritage. December 17, 2024 All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. —Shane C Kurup, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024

For your 9-to-5, opt for a shrunken blazer beneath an oversized wool coat on the commute. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wolle, from Old English wull; akin to Old High German wolla wool, Latin vellus fleece, lana wool

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wool

• combing wool
• cotton wool
• cotton wool ball
• dyed-in-the-wool
• glass wool
• lamb's wool
• mineral wool
• pull the wool over one's eyes
• pull the wool over someone's eyes
• Shetland wool
• steel wool
• virgin wool
• wire wool
• wool fat
• wool grease

Kids Definition

wool

noun

ˈwu̇l 

1

: the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various mammals and especially the sheep

2

: a fabric or garment made of wool

3

: material that resembles a mass of wool

wooled

ˈwu̇ld

adjective