flannel

noun

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

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.
Cover the pack with plastic wrap or a clean piece of flannel to help hold it in place and protect your clothes. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025 This sleeve itself has a soft flannel interior that has felt sufficient in protecting Grant's laptop from scratches, and the lining is thick and protective against moderate bangs. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2025 If the story were better, if the cast featured more convincing actors, if Duhamel didn't scream city slicker in his flannel and ripped jeans, maybe the series might be something worth sticking around to watch. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 Aside from meals, other Friday traditions could include having a casual dress theme in the office, such as Hawaiian shirt Friday or flannel Friday. Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flannel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flannel. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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