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.
Palms, ocean waves and hibiscus flowers were also recurrent motifs popping on cashmere and wool styles — ranging from a coat to a crewneck knit — as well on a lighter wool and silk shirt and pants. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 July 2025 Not only is it designed with sustainable wool, but it is also certified by SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit), which maintains factory standards and adheres to strict labor, health, and safety practices. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2025 For the brand, the collection’s centerpiece was the materials: twill, mesh, kasuri cotton, leather, jacquard, wool. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025 Made of 50% wool and 50% nylon, the Miah is built to last—so don’t let the low price tag keep you from putting it in high-traffic zones like entryways and halls. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 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 11 Jul. 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

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