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

Other available items include the flannel button-down shirt that Dawson wore throughout the series and a collection of props from Dawson’s bedroom. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025

Other memorabilia includes Dawson’s flannel shirt worn throughout the TV series and the the cleats and West Canaan Coyotes hat the actor used in 1999’s Varsity Blues. —Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2025

Made with plush ingredients like fleece, flannel, or cotton, electric blankets are just like regular throws but with wires woven into the fabric that generate heat. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

From cold-weather staples like packable down jackets and cozy mittens, to casual favorites like warm flannels and outdoor-ready sneakers, there’s something for everyone, including the gearheads in your life. —Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 5 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