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
flannel
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 bright red piping on this PJ set adds a bold contrast to the rich blue flannel.
—
John Monaco, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
The message was driven home by flag sweaters, wool Shetland sweaters, twill or flannel sport shirts and rugbys in a variety of colors.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Unique items include a quilt fashioned out of repurposed denim, with a soft flannel lining and handmade by a friend and vendor.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026
It's made with a thick flannel and has a long silhouette to keep you warm as the temps drop.
—Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flannel
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John Monaco, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
The message was driven home by flag sweaters, wool Shetland sweaters, twill or flannel sport shirts and rugbys in a variety of colors.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Unique items include a quilt fashioned out of repurposed denim, with a soft flannel lining and handmade by a friend and vendor.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026
It's made with a thick flannel and has a long silhouette to keep you warm as the temps drop.
—Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flannel
Cite this Entry
“Flannel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flannel. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flannel
noun
flan·nel
ˈflan-ᵊl 
1
: a soft cloth made of wool or cotton
2
plural
: flannel underwear or trousers
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