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

And yet, with so many big personalities in the series then, Johncock managed to carve out his own niche with his small-town roots and penchant for wearing flannel shirts and jeans. — CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Costco’s home section is packed with affordable, high-quality items like flannel sheets, organic throws, and boutique candles. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026

The best summer to fall outfits for women This everyday bootie perfectly transitions from summer dresses to fall flannels. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

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

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