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

More scenes played out in her mind: of flannel shirts, whiskey, the sting of a syringe in her arm and her dad's hands as well as the faces of dozens and dozens and dozens of men. —Danielle Bacher, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

In the barrios of the American Southwest, chola girls perfected their look with dark lip liner, oversized flannels, and nameplate earrings, styling themselves with fierce precision that both declared loyalty and warded off erasure. —Alexandra Jane, Essence, 31 July 2025

The plaid of his flannel shirt, green and brown and tan. —Meg Pillow july 31, Literary Hub, 31 July 2025

The wool-nylon blend hat with a flannel lining features a dark blue and black check pattern and a custom leather patch in honor of the Edmund Fitzgerald. —Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 23 July 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