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 Spread your paste over the surface of the tougher rust spots and begin working at them right away with your sponge or steel wool. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 15 July 2024 Use steel wool, thick wire screen, metal flashing or cement to seal holes. Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 12 July 2024 Use soft, non-abrasive cleaning materials, avoiding scrubbers and steel wool. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2024 For any tough-on pieces of food or yucky residue, the brand recommends using steel wool to gently scour inside. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steel wool 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'steel wool.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 27 Jul. 2024.

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

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