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

• 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

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

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
• 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