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

Davison is described as possibly wearing a blue flannel jacket with gold or yellow coloring. — Amanda Callahan, CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026

Suede, flannel, and fur textures are fun additions this time of year. — Arabella Hau, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026

Comfort is key, so our picks range from soft and cozy sweater dresses to on-trend drawstring pants, plus flannels and Fair Isle sweaters for warmth. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

The maid-servant has just dipped a flannel into the white basin of water at her feet and is now holding the flannel up to wash Mary’s face. — Artforum, 4 Nov. 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