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

Brewers navy blue carries through from the sole unit to a leather upper with a chenille Swoosh, with gold then used for contrast stitching. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

The chair comes in chenille options in two styles and full, queen and king sizes. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

This sofa, upholstered in a nubby textile, similar to boucle or chenille fabric, is a structured alternative to the boneless couches running amok on Amazon—but it’s designed to be just as comfortable. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

The plush chenille gives your feet a soft spot to land after stepping out of the shower, while the absorbent fibers help keep water off your floor — the rubber backing helps prevent the mat from shifting around, too. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

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