chenille

noun che·nille \ shə-ˈnēl \

Updated on: 23 Mar 2018

Definition of chenille

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

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Recent Examples of chenille from the Web

Assertive but earthy colors such as moss, ochre and chestnut highlight soothing upholstery in plush, touchable velvet, suede and chenille.

— valli herman, latimes.com, "The subtle ways the Hotel Figueroa's redesign is a tribute to women," 10 Mar. 2018
In fact, many of the dog garments have corresponding numbers for women, such as the long, flowing black cotton skirt a pet owner could wear while walking her dog outfitted in a black chenille jacket.

— colleen barry, USA TODAY, "Milan line offers canine couture for pampered pooches," 16 Jan. 2018
Pillow Pets are plump chenille stuffed animals (also some really cute cars) that widen and flatten into a pillow with the release of a cinch strap.

— judi dash, Philly.com, "Travel Gadget Guru, by Judi Dash: Creature comforts," 17 Jan. 2018
Along the same lines, snippets of ribbon, yarn, lace, fabric strips or even different-colored chenille stems (a.k.a.

— bonnie mccarthy, latimes.com, "Keep track of your cocktails with drink charms and markers," 16 Dec. 2017
Like your grandmother’s bed that has a pink chenille coverlet and smells like rosewater and Bengay.

— lisa scottoline, Philly.com, "Some pointers for the men who stand accused | Lisa Scottoline," 8 Dec. 2017
The pair of slipper chairs are upholstered in a soft, taupe cotton chenille, adding another hint of color and an extra layer of texture to the room.

— carolyn weber, ELLE Decor, "The New Look of Tradition," 5 July 2012
Aimee spread her hand across the chenille and traced a worsted swirl.

— elisabeth egan, chicagotribune.com, "Algren Award finalist: "We Could Learn a Lot" by Lori Ann Stephens," 10 June 2017
My Pillow Pets are 18 inch, huggable stuffed animals made of soft chenille that open to become a full-sized pillow.

— jenny williams, WIRED, "GeekMom 2011 Holiday Gift Guide #4: Toys and Activities for Young Kids," 5 Dec. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chenille.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of chenille

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1739

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CHENILLE Defined for English Language Learners

chenille

noun

Definition of chenille for English Language Learners

: a thick, soft cloth

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chenille

Definition of chenille

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