steel wool

noun

: an abrasive material composed of long fine steel shavings and used especially for scouring and burnishing

Examples of steel wool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Abrasive cleaners like steel wool pads, bleach, and chlorine should always be avoided when cleaning stainless steel. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026 Avoid anything abrasive that can scratch and strip the wood such as steel wool and scrubbing pads. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026 Scrub away rust with steel wool and warm, soapy water. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026 Rust spots on stainless steel are usually from leaving metal items (like steel wool pads or pots and pans) sitting in the sink. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steel wool

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steel wool was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Steel wool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steel%20wool. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

steel wool

noun
: a rough material composed of long fine steel shavings and used especially for cleaning and polishing

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