lint

noun

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 adjective
linty adjective

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
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.
So when the cleaning bug bites you, don't forget to add these things to your ‘To Clean’ or ‘To Use’ list: A lint roller to pick up small particles vacuums leave behind. Joe Difazio, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025 In addition to regular vacuuming, using an oversized lint roller, a rubber glove, or a damp microfiber cloth are other ways to pick up loose fur, however, these methods are not as effective at removing dander as vacuuming. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025 Additionally, emptying the lint trap will help your appliance run at maximum capacity. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025 Unlike traditional lint rollers, this one is designed specifically to lift thick pet hair off soft surfaces. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lint was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lint. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

lint

noun
1
: loose fibers or bits of thread
2
lintless adjective
linty adjective

Medical Definition

lint

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on lint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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