noun / adjective
flannel
FLAN-ul/ˈflænl/
Soft woven cloth with a brushed surface.
The folded flannel has a soft, brushed surface and a slightly frayed edge.
Etymology
Middle English flaunneol named a warm, loosely woven woolen cloth, anchoring the modern fabric sense in its original material. A connection with Welsh words for wool and woolen cloth is plausible but disputed.
In context
brushed to create a soft nap on the surface, giving it that slightly fuzzy matte appearance. It's cozy without being bulky and way more refined than you might expect. Because flannel has a nap
More examples
- She buys cotton flannel to make pajamas.
- The jacket has a soft flannel lining.
- He wears a flannel over his T-shirt on cool mornings.
Forms
flannel · flannels
Similar words
- flannelette
- Usually cotton, made to imitate the softness of wool flannel.
- fleece
- Usually knitted rather than woven, with a thicker, fuzzier surface.