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

In addition to unplugging the dryer, clean it before leaving (and regularly throughout the year) to remove lint and dust buildup. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026

Left unchecked, this lint can slowly snowball, to the point where an errant spark could lead to a serious conflagration inside the vent. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026

Promptly dry the pan with a paper towel or lint-free tea towel. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 May 2026

Clean the lint filter after every load, and consider installing an outdoor lint trap on the dryer vent. —Ryan Brennan may 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 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