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

Coming in both sage and hazelnut chenille, this is the perfect piece for creating a cozy reading nook or laid-back living room environment. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025

Chenille: Typically made of woven cotton, silk, rayon, or wool yarn, chenille is a textured material that gives a fluffy, velvet-like appearance—the name even comes from the French word for caterpillar. —Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 27 Nov. 2024

Most of the furniture in the space is vintage, including a brass mirror from the 1960s and a bamboo armchair upholstered in striped Pierre Frey chenille. —Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025

Counter stools from The Future Perfect wear a vegan chenille by Kieffer Textiles that echoes blue notes in the breakfast room. —Paige Porter Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025

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