flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈfla-nᵊl How to pronounce flannel (audio)
Synonyms of flannelnext
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 How to pronounce flannel (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of flannel

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reese Witherspoon also cosigned the trend, throwing on her flare black jeans with a chunky belt and an open flannel. — Melody Kazel, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026 The company cited Japan-exclusive pieces including a cropped flannel shirt priced at $50, a plaid jacket at $65 and Spingle Move high-top sneakers at $275. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026 He was seen wearing a blue flannel shirt, green pants and black shoes. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Architect Brent Buck first met Whit Bernard and Freya Zaheer in a cornfield wearing a flannel shirt. — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flannel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flaunneol woolen cloth or garment

First Known Use

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of flannel was in 1503

Phrases Containing flannel

Rhymes for flannel

See All Rhymes for flannel

Browse Nearby Words

flanned
flannel
flannel board
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Cite this Entry

“Flannel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flannel. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

flannel

noun
flan·​nel ˈflan-ᵊl How to pronounce flannel (audio)
1
: a soft cloth made of wool or cotton
2
plural : flannel underwear or trousers

More from Merriam-Webster on flannel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flannel

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