often attributive
1
: the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various hairy mammals and especially the sheep made up of a matrix of keratin fibers and covered with minute scales
2
: a product of wool
especially : a woven fabric or garment of such fabric
3
a
: a dense felted pubescence especially on a plant : tomentum
b
: a filamentous mass
usually used in combination
compare mineral wool, steel wool

Examples of wool in a Sentence

She doesn't like wool because it can be itchy. the wool from cashmere goats is considered by many to be the finest available
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cut the pattern out of wool felt and attach it to the pillow cover using iron-on fusible backing. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 Winter Wools Nothing feels sharper or warmer than a funnel-neck coat made of warm wool. Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025 Combining wool for softness and rayon for lasting quality, the Haren rug brings serenity to your space—the subtle texture almost reminds us of a zen garden. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025 Adding dryer sheets or wool dryer balls (optional) - Dryer sheets can reduce static and add fragrance, but much like fabric softener, Stein isn’t a big fan. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wool

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wolle, from Old English wull; akin to Old High German wolla wool, Latin vellus fleece, lana wool

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wool was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wool. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

wool

noun
1
: the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various mammals and especially the sheep
2
: a fabric or garment made of wool
3
: material that resembles a mass of wool
wooled
ˈwu̇ld
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on wool

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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