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Fleece Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fleece

[fliːs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

warm clothing material

Fleece is a soft, warm fabric that is often used to make jackets, blankets, and other cozy items. It is made from synthetic fibers or wool, and is known for its ability to trap heat and provide insulation.

Synonyms

polar fleece, sherpa, wool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fleece

Fleece is a soft, warm fabric made from synthetic fibers like polyester. It's commonly used for casual outerwear, blankets, and sportswear because of its lightweight and insulating properties.

  • She put on her fleece jacket before heading out for the hike.
  • The cozy fleece blanket kept her warm during the winter night.
wool

Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep and other animals. It is durable, warm, and often used in sweaters, suits, and various winter garments. Wool can sometimes feel itchy but is excellent for insulation.

  • He wore a wool sweater to the office on cold days.
  • The luxury woolen scarf was a thoughtful gift for her birthday.
sherpa

Sherpa refers to a thick, fluffy fabric that mimics the texture of wool, often used for linings in jackets, hoodies, and blankets. It provides a lot of warmth and is associated with cozy wear.

  • Her sherpa-lined hoodie is her favorite piece of clothing in the fall.
  • The sherpa blanket is perfect for snuggling on cold evenings.
polar fleece

Polar fleece is a type of fleece fabric that is particularly thicker and denser, providing additional warmth. It is ideal for outdoor activities and colder climates.

  • His polar fleece sweater was perfect for the chilly camping trip.
  • The store sells a variety of polar fleece jackets for winter sports.

Examples of usage

  • The fleece jacket kept me warm during the cold winter months.
  • She wrapped herself in a fleece blanket to stay cozy by the fire.
Context #2 | Verb

to cheat or deceive

To fleece someone means to trick or deceive them, often in order to get money or valuables from them through dishonest means. It is a term used to describe fraudulent or dishonest behavior.

Synonyms

cheat, defraud, swindle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fleece

When someone takes a lot of money from another person in a way that is not completely honest, typically in casual or conversational situations. This term often has a connotation of someone being taken advantage of.

  • The tourists felt like they were fleeced by the overpriced souvenirs.
  • She was fleeced by the mechanic who charged for unnecessary repairs.
cheat

When someone tricks or deceives another person to gain an advantage, especially in a game or test. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • He tried to cheat on his exam by looking at his friend's answers.
  • They caught him attempting to cheat during the poker game.
swindle

When someone uses deception to take money or property from someone, often involving more intricate schemes. This word is often used when describing complex frauds or scams.

  • They swindled elderly people out of their life savings through a phone scam.
  • He was tricked into investing in a nonexistent company and swindled out of his money.
defraud

When someone illegally gains money or valuables from another person or entity through deception. This is a legal term typically used in formal or legal contexts.

  • The employee was charged with attempting to defraud the company of thousands of dollars.
  • They were accused of defrauding investors with a fake business.

Examples of usage

  • The scam artist managed to fleece unsuspecting individuals out of their life savings.
  • He realized too late that he had been fleeced by the smooth-talking salesman.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Textile Industry

  • Fleece fabric was popularized in the 1970s as a lightweight alternative to wool, making it highly sought after for outdoor clothing.
  • It’s known for its insulating properties, trapping body heat while remaining breathable, ideal for cold weather gear.

Animals

  • Sheep are the primary source of natural fleece, specially bred for high-quality wool suitable for textiles.
  • Different breeds of sheep yield different types of fleece, such as Merino, which is renowned for its softness.

Cultural Impact

  • Fleece jackets became a fashion staple in the 1990s, symbolizing comfort and casual style in everyday wear.
  • The term 'fleece' has also made its way into popular culture, often used in media to denote warmth and coziness.

Environmental Considerations

  • While synthetic fleece is lightweight and warm, concerns have been raised about microplastics shedding into oceans during washing.
  • Some brands are now producing fleece from recycled plastic bottles, combining functionality with environmental awareness.

Origin of 'fleece'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fleece' comes from the Old English 'flēos,' which referred to the wool of sheep.
  • Historically, the term was associated with the shedding of sheep's wool, traditionally harvested in spring.

The word 'fleece' has a rich history, dating back to Old English and Old French. In Old English, 'fleos' referred to the woolen covering of a sheep, while in Old French 'flais' meant 'tresses of wool'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the fabric itself, known for its softness and warmth. Today, 'fleece' is widely used to describe both the material and the act of cheating or deceiving.

See also: flee.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,040, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.