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

Ugg Cozy Chenille Socks Speaking of Uggs, these chenille socks make an excellent stocking stuffer. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

This bedding bundle includes a cotton chenille duvet cover and two shams in the same cozy, textured fabric. —Kenedee Fowler, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025

Maybe Pottery Barn’s best furniture deal this year—56 color and fabric options make this swivel armchair a suitable choice for any design style, though the moss chenille is a particular in-house favorite. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

Knowles paired the shoes with a black silk georgette and viscose chenille long-sleeve, knee-length dress with band detail in gold shearling from the Ferragamo fall 2025 collection. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 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