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

So, the timing of lint buildup can depend on your vent. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025

During the marketing year August 2019–July 2020, the United States produced nearly 20 million bales of cotton, representing about $7 billion in total (lint plus seed) value, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Dec. 2025

Keep the Filters Clean A clogged lint trap—also known as the filter—is a common cause of slow drying times. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025

This genius mini rake easily removes hair, lint, and debris out of the bristles and keeps it looking brand new. —Jennifer Chan, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

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

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