mohair

noun

mo·​hair ˈmō-ˌher How to pronounce mohair (audio)
: a fabric or yarn made wholly or in part of the long silky hair of the Angora goat
also : this hair

Did you know?

Mohair entered the English language in the 16th century, spelled variously as "mocayare," "mockaire," "mokayre," and "moochary." It was borrowed from Italian mocaiarro, a word which itself was borrowed from Arabic mukhayyar. The adjective mukhayyar meant "select" or "choice." How this Arabic adjective came to be the English noun "mohair" is a bit of a mystery. It is possible that "mukhayyar" was used as a colloquial noun in the sense of "wool of prime quality" (that is, "choice wool"). In English, the shift from "mocayare" and similar spellings to "mohair" was likely influenced by the more familiar English word hair.

Examples of mohair in a Sentence

a sweater made of mohair and silk
Recent Examples on the Web Photo: Courtesy of Michael J. Lee Choose Resilient Surfaces Sticky fingers can ruin a silk mohair in seconds flat. Ariel Okin, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024 His work leans toward luxury streetwear with mixes of functional details like bags made solely from zippers and textured mohair blazers. Essence, 22 Feb. 2024 The collection, which is unisex and filled with soft-as-butter mohair zip-ups, denim button-ups, and slouchy beanies, launched earlier this year. Vogue, 11 Feb. 2024 The oversized mohair cocoon coat retails for $4,600. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024 Loewe's anagram knits are also a top look this winter, with natural hues and a mohair blend. Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Roll it: White uses a 4-inch roller of foam, microfiber or mohair to apply paint, then uses a bristle brush on edges and crevices. Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2024 As writer Emily Sundberg pointed out in her latest newsletter, red accessories—from bright red handbags to mohair cardigans—are currently dominating the fashion space. Megan O'Sullivan, Vogue, 8 Dec. 2023 Better Homes & Gardens Green Mohair Plaid Holiday Decorative Pillow This elegant mohair pillow with fringe lends itself well to both a formal living room and a playful family room. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mohair.' 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

modification of obsolete Italian mocaiarro, from Arabic mukhayyar, literally, choice

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mohair was in 1569

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Dictionary Entries Near mohair

Cite this Entry

“Mohair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mohair. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mohair

noun
mo·​hair ˈmō-ˌha(ə)r How to pronounce mohair (audio)
-ˌhe(ə)r
: a fabric or yarn made of or with the long silky hair of the Angora goat
also : the hair of the Angora goat

More from Merriam-Webster on mohair

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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