chenille

noun

che·​nille shə-ˈnēl 

1

: a wool, cotton, silk, or rayon yarn with protruding pile

also : a pile-face fabric with a filling of this yarn

2

: an imitation of chenille yarn or fabric

Examples of chenille in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those who want a bed that feels made for their space, Interior Define offers more than 100 upholstery combinations, including chenille, linen, velvet, bouclé, and performance fabrics. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026

The chenille damask pattern has just enough fluff to make your bed feel like sleeping on a cloud. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 14 June 2026

This nubby chenille rug is exquisitely soft and ultra-absorbent. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2026

Channeling vintage, grandmillennial vibes, this chenille quilt set adds a pop of color and texture to any bedroom. — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, caterpillar, from Latin canicula, diminutive of canis dog; from its hairy appearance — more at hound

First Known Use

circa 1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chenille

• fennel
• henle
• kennel
• antennal
• departmental

Kids Definition

chenille

noun

che·​nille shə-ˈnē(ə)l 

: a thick fuzzy fabric