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

While this isn’t an obvious holiday romance, the winter vibes are there including running in the snow, sexy snow storms, and a grumpy mountain man who only wears flannel. —Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025

Even though Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone, Wayfair quietly marked down hundreds of bedding essentials—including cozy flannel sheets and airy cotton quilts—for up to 80% off. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2025

The blanket itself is made from thick flannel with a soft, shearling backing that serves as a cozy throw blanket even when it’s not plugged in. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025

Many of the offerings had retro features, such as buckles on the side of flannel pants or vests with an opening for a pocket watch. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Dec. 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