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

What’s not up for dispute is the garment’s make, focused on a water-repellent gabardine fabric that proved much lighter and more breathable than the heavy wool field jackets British troops were used to in the field. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026

Crafted from an elegant Italian wool, this robe is ideal for those who overheat or just like to wear their robe all day long without hindrance. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026

Appearing on the runway during the Junya Watanabe Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 7, Shayk flung off her wool coat to reveal a dramatic sculptural gown below. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026

This Arach&Cloz wool sweater top feels like the perfect swap for your basic tee. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 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
• 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