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

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

It’s woven with a chenille blend that’s soft and warm, easy to clean, and won’t fade — even after years of use. —Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Crafted with an anti-wrinkle chenille fabric, the couch is soft to the touch and has a sophisticated, modern look. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 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