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 of flannel

• 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

Its ribbed fleece feels as soft as your favorite flannel sheets, and the texture can add a stylish touch to every bedroom. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

In the Instagram Stories snap, Shelton can be seen giving his wife a quick kiss on the cheek while she's dressed in seasonal flannel and holds up her phone with a smile. —Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

The gingham flannel set is one of contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert’s favorites this season for more reasons than one. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

However, Ganzorigt and Jenner took a sheer approach to the base, resulting in a final look that closer resembles plaid tights than a cozy flannel. —Glamour, 27 Nov. 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