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

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

These slip-ons have a chenille knit upper and a fuzzy faux fur lining. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025

The throw is crafted with acrylic, but don’t be fooled by its price; the intricate, woven yarn resembles that of chenille, with a buttery-smooth texture that feels luxuriously soft to the touch. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025

The popular pick from Target is made from plush chenille fabric with a faux shearling reverse, giving it a luxurious look and feel at just $20. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 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