lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

a

: a soft fleecy material made from linen usually by scraping

b

: fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric

2

: a fibrous coat of thick convoluted hairs borne by cotton seeds that yields the cotton staple

lintless

ˈlint-ləs 

adjective

linty

ˈlin-tē 

adjective

Synonyms of lint

• fur
• pile

Examples of lint in a Sentence

I always have lint in my pocket.

The clothes dryer was clogged with lint.

Recent Examples on the Web

Spray the window with the solution and squeegee the window from top to bottom, then wipe around the edges of the window with a lint-free microfiber cloth. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 28 Sep. 2026

How Washing Machine Seals Collect Grime A washing machine door seal is a prime spot for grime to accumulate because the seal’s tight folds trap hair, lint, and other debris. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Set your iron to its lowest setting—no steam—and place the stained area between two paper towels or lint-free cloths. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Allow the pan to air dry, or use a lint-free microfiber cloth to be sure the pan is dry before storing. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing lint

• lint roller

Rhymes for lint

• clint
• dint
• glint
• hint
• mint
• print
• quint
• quinte
• splint
• sprint
• squint
• stint

Kids Definition

lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

: loose fibers or bits of thread

2

: cotton entry 1 sense 1a

lintless

-ləs 

adjective

linty

-ē 

adjective

Medical Definition

lint

noun

ˈlint 

1

: a soft fleecy material used for poultices and dressings for wounds and made from linen usually by scraping

2

British : sterile cotton cloth used for dressings