flannel

/ˈflænl/

/ˈflænəl/

Other forms: flannels; flannelled

Flannel is a warm, soft cotton or wool fabric. Plaid work shirts are commonly made of flannel.

Flannel has been around since the 1700s, when it was created in Welsh textile mills. Pants made of flannel became popular throughout Britain by the early 20th century, particularly in sports like cricket — these trousers are often called flannels. Another kind of flannel is a washcloth or cloth for cleaning. The word flannel is probably related to the Welsh gwlanen, "woolen cloth."

Definitions of flannel

1. noun

   a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
   type of:

   cloth, fabric, material, textile

   artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
2. noun

   (usually in the plural) trousers made of flannel or gabardine or tweed or white cloth
   synonyms: gabardine, tweed, white

   type of:

   pant, trouser

   (usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately
3. noun

   bath linen consisting of a piece of cloth used to wash the face and body
   synonyms: face cloth, washcloth, washrag

   type of:

   bath linen

   linens for use in the bathroom