flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈfla-nᵊl 

1

a

: a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface

b

: a napped cotton fabric of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel

c

: a stout cotton fabric usually napped on one side

2

flannels plural

a

: flannel underwear

b

: outer garments of flannel

especially : men's trousers

3

British : washcloth

4

British : flattering or evasive talk

also : nonsense, rubbish

flannel adjective

flannelly

ˈfla-nᵊl-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• butter
• taffy
• flattery
• soft soap

Examples of flannel in a Sentence

shirts made of bright-colored flannel

He wore a dark blazer and gray flannels.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cover the pack with plastic wrap or a clean piece of flannel to help hold it in place and protect your clothes. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025

This sleeve itself has a soft flannel interior that has felt sufficient in protecting Grant's laptop from scratches, and the lining is thick and protective against moderate bangs. —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2025

If the story were better, if the cast featured more convincing actors, if Duhamel didn't scream city slicker in his flannel and ripped jeans, maybe the series might be something worth sticking around to watch. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

Aside from meals, other Friday traditions could include having a casual dress theme in the office, such as Hawaiian shirt Friday or flannel Friday. —Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flaunneol woolen cloth or garment

First Known Use

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flannel

• canton flannel
• red flannel hash

Rhymes for flannel

• annal
• annul
• cannel
• channel
• panel
• pannel
• multichannel
• perianal

Kids Definition

flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈflan-ᵊl 

1

: a soft cloth made of wool or cotton

2

plural : flannel underwear or trousers