steel wool

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Use a wire brush and possibly steel wool to remove imperfections prior to applying primer, and then clean thoroughly to remove all rust and loose particles. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2023 Our favorite cleaning products run the gamut from high-tech robot vacuums to lo-fi steel wool. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 19 Feb. 2023 Diamond jigs often require a solid polishing, but that’s nothing a little chrome cleaner and steel wool can’t handle. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 14 Feb. 2023 Look to steel wool and scrubbing pads only when cleaning metal oven racks and grates. Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2023 TJ Osborne offer a complementary, silk-over-steel wool tension that heightens the song’s mournful undertones. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2022 The most important part is to find their entrances to the structure and block those with unchewable material such as steel wool, hardware cloth (welded wire 1/4″ squares), or concrete patching. oregonlive, 28 Jan. 2023 Avoid steel wool and go with something like a Dobie sponge, a stiff brush, a chain-mail scrubber, or our favorite, a Kamenoko Tawashi scrubber made from palm fibers. Julie Harans, Bon Appétit, 18 Jan. 2023 Harsh abrasives like scouring powders, steel wool, ammonia and bleach should never be used on your stainless steel appliances. Carolyn Forté, Good Housekeeping, 16 Dec. 2022 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near steel wool

Cite this Entry

“Steel wool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steel%20wool. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

steel wool

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

More from Merriam-Webster on steel wool

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY