wool

noun

ˈwu̇l 

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

Synonyms of wool

• hair
• coat
• fleece
• fur

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

Polyester, nylon, wool, elastane blends, and Tencel all work well—pure cotton and linen, not so much. — Kenedee Fowler, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Here, Friesenfaser works with materials connected to Nordfriesland, transforming them into pieces for the home and everyday life, from wool blankets to textile products and objects made with natural materials. — Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

This rug is handwoven from a blend of wool and silky viscose using a flatweave technique that’s ideal for creating the layered look Garten opted for. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Merino wool and nylon are usually solid, smart choices. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026

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

Phrases Containing wool

• combing wool
• cotton wool
• cotton wool ball
• dyed-in-the-wool
• glass wool
• lamb's wool
• mineral wool
• pull the wool over one's eyes
• pull the wool over someone's eyes
• Shetland wool
• steel wool
• virgin wool
• wire wool
• wool fat
• wool grease

Rhymes for wool

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

Kids Definition

wool

noun

ˈwu̇l 

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