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
see also:
pull the wool over one's eyes

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.
Nordic Knots’s rug is one way to add a slight edge to your floors, as its sharp geometry on soft wool juxtaposes the severity of the shapes. — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026 Mishkin owes some of the success of her label, Naomi Nomi, to a growing backlash against companies – from the luxury tier on down to mall brands and fast fashion – that have tried to pull the synthetic poly-blend wool over our eyes. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Paired with her chocolate brown booties, Camilla donned a black wool trench coat with button closures fastening the collar in place, layered over what appeared to be a cowl-neck blouse with a floral-esque pattern. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 On the more practical side, wool felt wine markers are a great assist, or pick up a fancy bag of coffee to replenish their stash. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wool

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