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

Channeling vintage, grandmillennial vibes, this chenille quilt set adds a pop of color and texture to any bedroom. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2026

Plush featured soft fabrics made with chenille, velour and corduroy to mimic the warmth and softness of cashmere. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026

Upholstered in a high-pile chenille, the chaise’s oversized shape is slightly overstuffed—with layers of high-resiliency foam and memory foam seat topper—to give that pillow-like effect. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026

Guest rooms have been retrofitted with granny-chic chenille bedspreads, while modern upgrades include plush mattresses. —Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 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