flannel

noun

flan·​nel ˈfla-nᵊl How to pronounce flannel (audio)
Synonyms of flannelnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Elle is a bright pink fish out of water, overlooked and made fun of by her intellectual peers in flannel shirts and dark sweaters, who see her as a ditzy airhead beneath them. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Here, this guest elevates the billowy style with kitten heels, a simple tee, a flannel tied around the waist, sleek sunnies, and an oversized bag. Amanda Le, InStyle, 28 June 2026 One example from the book that illustrates Perel’s tough-love approach was a couple who loved to cuddle, wearing comfortable clothes such as flannel nightgowns to unwind. Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026 The bubbly pink-loving teen quickly finds out that her new school is in its grunge period where Nirvana rules, and even the school’s cheerleaders wear flannel. ABC News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flannel

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flannel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flannel. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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

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