: the soft wavy or curly usually thick undercoat of various hairy mammals and especially the sheep made up of a matrix of keratin fibers and covered with minute scales
2
: a product of wool
especially: a woven fabric or garment of such fabric
3
a
: a dense felted pubescence especially on a plant : tomentum
She doesn't like wool because it can be itchy. the wool from cashmere goats is considered by many to be the finest available
Recent Examples on the WebSuit makers are shifting away from pure wool toward blends of lighter fabrics, such as linen, silk and cashmere, according to Fokke de Jong, founder and chief executive officer of Suitsupply, a menswear company. Christopher Flavelle, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Sep. 2022 But also, remixing the past with refinement as in a flight jacket made from a performance wool usually used for suiting or a pale suede vest that remains taut (and stain-free!) for decades. Alexander Freeling, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2022 This is especially important on vintage rugs and those made from wool and other luxury materials. Hannah Jones, Country Living, 29 Aug. 2022 They're made from Merino wool for insulation and moisture-wicking capabilities. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 8 June 2022 This Stargazer Tote by MZ Fair Trade is made from handwoven wool by fair trade artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico. Olivia O'bryon, Forbes, 2 June 2022 Offered in shades of off-white, pink, green, and black with base textiles of leather, wool, or cashmere the various holders which hang from the rail are designed to address organization in different parts of the home. Rebecca Suhrawardi, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 The Laundress’s formula has a lower pH to better care for wool, mohair, cashmere and more as well as notes of cedar for a lovely scent. Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping, 16 Aug. 2022 But without a series of wires or magnetic coils, how can cotton, wool, polyester, or even leather garments collect, store, and transport electricity? Drew Turney, Popular Mechanics, 10 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English wolle, from Old English wull; akin to Old High German wolla wool, Latin vellus fleece, lana wool
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of wool was before the 12th century