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

October does not typically begin with flannel-and-jeans weather, but Louisville is supposed to be gradually trending in that direction as the month progresses. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025

There are hundreds of options, like these soft, supple, yet affordable flannel sheets from Amazon. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Unlike some fabrics that can trap moisture tightly against your skin, flannel is loose-fitting and breathable. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025

High-quality flannel sheets are a staple of winter bedding and this Garnet Hill Cozy organic cotton bedding is no exception. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 Sep. 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