wool

noun

ˈwu̇l 

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

• hair
• coat
• fleece
• fur

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

Dress With Air in Mind Natural fabrics like cotton, silk or wool reduce static and help skin breathe. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

The silk-and-wool rug by Nalbandian has a subtle striated pattern that’s mirrored in the custom sofa, which is covered in ivory fabric and finished with a ribbed walnut base. —Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 29 Mar. 2026

Full-grain leather, soft wool, and refined tweed set the tone, while a floor-to-ceiling curtain ensures total privacy. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2026

Mile End's Bohème Vintage stocks quality wool and denim, and steams them right behind the counter. —Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing wool

• combing wool
• cotton wool
• cotton wool ball
• dyed-in-the-wool
• glass wool
• lamb's wool
• mineral wool
• pull the wool over one's eyes
• pull the wool over someone's eyes
• Shetland wool
• steel wool
• virgin wool
• wire wool
• wool fat
• wool grease

Rhymes for wool

• full
• pull
• brimful
• handful
• mouthful
• roomful
• spoonful

Kids Definition

wool

noun

ˈwu̇l 

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