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

Save your dryer lint to help fill a cushion that has gone flat or to fluff up your pet’s bed. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 June 2026

Take a non-abrasive, lint-free cleaning cloth, dampen it with water, and wipe the vinegar residue off the outdoor smoker. —Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 4 June 2026

Coat Pockets Pockets often become catch-alls for lint, tissues, and small debris. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026

So in practical terms, a HEPA filter will catch pollen, lint, mold spores, automobile exhaust and insecticide dust. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 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