fleece

noun

\ˈflēs

Definition of fleece

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the coat of wool covering a wool-bearing animal (such as a sheep)

b : the wool obtained from a sheep at one shearing

2a : any of various soft or woolly coverings

b : a soft bulky deep-piled knitted or woven fabric used chiefly for clothing

fleece

verb

fleeced; fleecing

Definition of fleece (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to strip of money or property by fraud or extortion

b : to charge excessively for goods or services

2 : to remove the fleece from : shear

3 : to dot or cover with fleecy masses

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about fleece

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Examples of fleece in a Sentence

Noun

learning how to shear the fleece off a sheep

Verb

Don't let that salesman fleece you. an unsuspecting tourist fleeced by a scam artist

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Items include festive and cozy PJ sets, magical Christmas ornaments, fleece blankets featuring your favorite characters, and more. — Gianluca Russo, Teen Vogue, "Disney Unveils Black Friday 2018 Deals," 18 Nov. 2018 In the eastern part of the state, Tunbridge's Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival showcases more than 70 vendors selling fleece, yarn, and hand-spun fabrics; there's also a cashmere exhibit and fiber arts classes. — Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler, "See Vermont Fall Foliage in These 12 Beautiful Places," 2 Oct. 2018 Woven from 100% baby alpaca fleece, Alicia Adams Alpaca throws are warm and incredibly soft. — Elle Decor Staff, ELLE Decor, "Throw Down," 23 Dec. 2011 Prince Harry and Meghan have already received their first baby presents, a fluffy stuffed kangaroo and fleece UGG booties, from Governor-General Peter Cosgrove and his wife, Lady Lynne Cosgrove. — Rose Minutaglio, Marie Claire, "Will Meghan Markle's Real Name Be on the Birth Certificate of Her Baby? An Expert Weighs In," 18 Oct. 2018 During their recent family trip to Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, both Joanna and baby Crew kept warm in the coziest fleece pieces. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Everyone Is Obsessed With This Cozy Outfit Worn by Chip and Joanna Gaines' Baby Boy," 8 Oct. 2018 Instead, dress tots in lightweight clothing (e.g., fleece) and lay a blanket or coat over them once they're buckled in. — The Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Housekeeping, "Picking the Right Car Seat for Your Kid," 20 Oct. 2015 In its feed are memes of men walking in wolf packs wearing the exact same bland gray or navy fleece vest. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "Outdoor Voices Is Launching Fleeces That Are the Anti-Version of the #MidtownUniform," 24 Oct. 2018 This strange contraption looks like a soft fleece scarf but contains a lightweight metal support that rests on your shoulder and holds your head in the perfect position for a comfy night’s sleep. — Janna Irons, Outside Online, "The Best International Travel Gear," 9 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Burnout fleeces our economy for over $300 billion annually in absenteeism, job turnover, lost productivity and medical claims. — Philip Chard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Burnout reflects a conflict between our inner calling and what we have to do," 13 July 2018 Short on money, Gill plots against the pyramid scheme that fleeced her. — Hal Boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'Central Florida' TV series comes from YouTube," 3 July 2018 Team owner fleeced the city for a sweetheart stadium deal and the team’s in the tank? — Dan Sweeney, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Should the Marlins bring back teal permanently and re-rebrand as the Florida Marlins?," 5 June 2018 Yes, Thomas came with much fanfare in the Kyrie Irving trade to Boston, but Gilbert and Altman can't worry about having been fleeced. — Dennis Manoloff, cleveland.com, "LeBron James provides 37-15-10 reminder of his value to Cavaliers: DMan video," 7 Feb. 2018 The cancelled summit was a prudent move to end Kim’s efforts to play the same games that allowed his father and grandfather to fleece the U.S. and its allies. — Anthony Ruggiero, Fortune, "Trump Cancelled the North Korea Summit. Here’s What He Should Do Next.," 25 May 2018 More and more, con artists — some who might not be Muslim — are fleecing the faithful. — Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, "Charity during Ramadan means public safety, religion at odds," 14 May 2018 Fairhurst was living at a Fall River rehab facility when Charlotte allegedly fleeced her. — BostonGlobe.com, "Suspects charged in case involving 80-year-old woman who wasted away and died of neglect," 8 May 2018 Many people once believed the Rays were fleeced in the three-team deal that sent Myers to San Diego. — Dennis Lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres mailbag: Has the timeline for contention budged?," 28 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fleece.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.