wool

noun

ˈwu̇l How to pronounce wool (audio)
Synonyms of woolnext
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 of wool

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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
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.
Her ears were a cotton-candy pink and were swollen under the thin wool. — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 Unlike straw or lower-grade wool blends, beaver felt can be reworked without collapsing its structure, which is what allows hats to be reshaped by hand rather than stamped out of a mold. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026 The signature upholstered bed in breezy linen or durable wool is included in the discounts, as is the rounded Pillar coffee table. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026 First made in 1779 in England, the now iconic wool blankets were used as a form of currency for fur trade in Canada. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wool

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of wool was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing wool

Rhymes for wool

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Browse Nearby Words

wooingly
wool
woolball
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Cite this Entry

“Wool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wool. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wool

noun
ˈwu̇l How to pronounce wool (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on wool

Nglish: Translation of wool for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wool

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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