flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈfla-nᵊl How to pronounce flannel (audio)
1
a
: a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a loose texture and a slightly napped surface
b
: a napped cotton fabric of soft yarns simulating the texture of wool flannel
c
: a stout cotton fabric usually napped on one side
2
flannels plural
a
: flannel underwear
b
: outer garments of flannel
especially : men's trousers
3
British : washcloth
4
British : flattering or evasive talk
also : nonsense, rubbish
flannel adjective
flannelly adjective

Examples of flannel in a Sentence

shirts made of bright-colored flannel He wore a dark blazer and gray flannels.
Recent Examples on the Web The jackets and flannels include anarchy symbols, spider webs and skulls. Charlie Vargas, Orange County Register, 15 Feb. 2024 Keen dresses modestly, former employees say, wearing shorts and flannel shirts, and is an avid skier and outdoorsman. William Turton, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2024 Loads of flannels or bomber jackets, or saucy little polka dot dresses with tights. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2024 In just the blink of an eye, the environment inside Beard gym at Francis Scott Key High School reached a fever pitch as the student section decked out in flannel exploded following a half-court buzzer-beater by Summer Brooks that put the Eagles up four. Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 3 Feb. 2024 And, of course, it can be styled with an oversized flannel or cardigan to stay cozy at the airport. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2024 The electrical component is hidden inside layers of plush flannel, preventing direct contact with your skin. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 17 Jan. 2024 Next was a box of men’s flannel shirts, then, over time, more than 20 other random items. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2024 Off the river and in camp, guides provide gourmet meals and fine wine; huge, spacious tents and cots with sleeping bags lined with flannel; and plenty of waterproof bags for personal gear. Pete Zimowsky, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flannel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flaunneol woolen cloth or garment

First Known Use

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of flannel was in 1503

Dictionary Entries Near flannel

Cite this Entry

“Flannel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flannel. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flannel

noun
flan·​nel ˈflan-ᵊl How to pronounce flannel (audio)
1
: a soft cloth made of wool or cotton
2
plural : flannel underwear or trousers

More from Merriam-Webster on flannel

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