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

From elevated wide-leg pants to a cozy flannel shacket, these Banana Republic fall fashion finds are already in my cart—starting at $50. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026

These Pact leggings are designed for everyday wear and look great with oversized sweaters and knee-high boots, blousy tops and ballet flats, or sneakers and an oversized flannel shirt for a more casual ensemble. — Jessie Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026

Use it with a set of cooling sheets early in the season, then swap for flannel or add a lightweight comforter underneath once colder temperatures set in. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026

Love the look and feel of that old flannel jacket your dad’s had for decades? — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026

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