lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

a

: a soft fleecy material made from linen usually by scraping

b

: fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric

2

: a fibrous coat of thick convoluted hairs borne by cotton seeds that yields the cotton staple

lintless

ˈlint-ləs 

adjective

linty

ˈlin-tē 

adjective

Synonyms of lint

• fur
• pile

Examples of lint in a Sentence

I always have lint in my pocket.

The clothes dryer was clogged with lint.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additional Tips for Washing Throw Blankets Schrader suggests shaking the throw blankets out regularly, removing lint or pet hair with a fabric brush, and airing throws out outside on a nice day to help keep throws in between washes. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 18 Sep. 2026

Brush lint, hair and surface debris from coats, wool and structured pieces. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

Next, take a lint-free cloth and rub a small amount of virgin, unrefined coconut oil into the wood in a swirling circular fashion. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

Knead the putty into car vents, cupholders, or any other small spot to pick up crumbs, dust, and lint. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing lint

• lint roller

Rhymes for lint

• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint
• mint
• print
• quint
• quinte
• splint
• sprint
• squint
• stint

Kids Definition

lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

: loose fibers or bits of thread

2

: cotton entry 1 sense 1a

lintless

-ləs 

adjective

linty

-ē 

adjective

Medical Definition

lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

: a soft fleecy material used for poultices and dressings for wounds and made from linen usually by scraping

2

British : sterile cotton cloth used for dressings