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

Remove any loose debris or lint from the washing machine, and always wash hats with similar colors. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026

Because of the fiber material, microfiber towels are notorious for attracting lint that can come from other materials in the wash. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026

If your dog loves to nap in the same spot, such as a place where sunlight streams in for a few hours each day, use a lint roller on it a few times a week to prevent any buildup. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026

Down in the courtyard, hidden from view, gloomy, skeletal trees stood shrouded in a fog that was unmistakably Milanese: gray and filthy, like lint. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

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

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