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

Abrasive materials like steel wool and melamine scratch stainless steel appliances. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026

In fact, Gerrod Moore, a brand manager of Maytag advises against uninformed stainless steel cleaning experimentation, because some kitchen cleaning go-to’s like bleach, glass cleaner, abrasive cleaners, and steel wool may damage the metal. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2026

Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool or rough scrubbers, which can scratch surfaces and wear down markings. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for steel wool

• brimful
• handful
• mirthful
• mouthful
• roomful
• spoonful
• full
• pull

Kids Definition

steel wool

noun

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