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Woolly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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woolly

[ˈwʊli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

warm clothing

consisting of or resembling wool, especially in being soft or having a thick curly appearance.

Synonyms

furry, hairy, shaggy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
woolly

Repeat entry, should be combined with the first entry.
furry

Used for animals or things that have a soft and thick covering of fur. Often used to describe pets or stuffed animals.

  • The kitten had a soft, furry belly.
  • She hugged her furry teddy bear tightly.
hairy

Describes something covered in hair, typically used for people or animals. This word can have a negative connotation when referring to people.

  • The gorilla's hairy arms were strong and powerful.
  • He felt self-conscious about his hairy back.
shaggy

Often describes something that is untidy or messy in appearance, with long, irregular strands of hair or fur. Can describe both people and animals, often with a rough or wild look.

  • The dog had a shaggy coat that needed brushing.
  • His shaggy hairstyle gave him a rugged look.

Examples of usage

  • a warm, woolly hat
  • a woolly jumper
Context #2 | Adjective

informal language

vague or uncertain.

Synonyms

indefinite, uncertain, vague.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
woolly

Typically used to describe something that is unclear, confused, or lacking in sharpness; often used metaphorically. Can also refer to something that resembles wool.

  • His explanation was rather woolly and didn't help clarify the issue.
  • She bought a woolly sweater for the winter.
vague

Used when something is unclear, lacking detail, or hard to understand; often carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • The instructions he gave were very vague.
  • Her memories of the event were vague.
uncertain

Used to express doubt, ambiguity, or lack of confidence about a situation, event, or outcome.

  • The weather forecast is uncertain for the weekend.
  • She felt uncertain about her career path.
indefinite

Used when referring to something without a set limit, clear definition, or a specific endpoint; often neutral in tone.

  • The meeting has been postponed for an indefinite period of time.
  • The benefits of this policy change are still indefinite.

Examples of usage

  • he gave a woolly answer
  • the plan was still rather woolly
Context #3 | Noun

zoology

a sheep with a thick fleece.

Synonyms

ewe, ram, sheep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
woolly

Used to describe something that is made of wool or something that is fuzzy or soft like wool. It can also refer to something that is unclear or confused.

  • She wore a woolly sweater to stay warm in the winter.
  • His explanation was a bit woolly and hard to understand.
sheep

A general term for the animal, used in both singular and plural form. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including farming, agriculture, and even metaphorically to describe people who follow others without thinking.

  • The farmer has a large flock of sheep.
  • In the story, the sheep followed each other blindly into danger.
ram

Specifically refers to a male sheep. This term is frequently used in farming contexts and breeding discussions.

  • The ram is essential for breeding on the farm.
  • They bought a new ram to improve their flock's genetics.
ewe

Specifically refers to a female sheep. This word is commonly used in farming and agricultural contexts.

  • The ewe gave birth to two healthy lambs.
  • They keep a flock of ewes for milk and wool production.

Examples of usage

  • a flock of woolly sheep
  • a woolly lamb

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many countries, wool is a traditional material for clothing, signifying warmth and comfort during winter.
  • Sheep shearing festivals celebrate the wool harvest and are crucial to local economies, especially in rural areas.
  • The 'woolly mammoth' is an extinct species that is often referenced in popular culture, highlighting the historical significance of woolly creatures.

Science

  • Wool is naturally fire-resistant, making it a safe choice for fabrics used in clothing and home goods.
  • Its structure makes it a great insulator, which helps keep the body warm even when wet.
  • Wool can absorb moisture while maintaining heat, which is why many outdoor enthusiasts prefer woolen garments.

Art and Literature

  • Artists often depict sheep and wool in their works to symbolize pastoral beauty and tranquility.
  • In children's stories, woolly animals are frequently featured, teaching themes of kindness and friendship.
  • The description of 'woolly' in poetry may evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, emphasizing softness and coziness.

Fashion

  • Woolly garments, like sweaters and scarves, are staples in winter fashion due to their warmth and texture.
  • Fashion designers often experiment with wool blends to create unique styles that retain a classic feel.
  • The rise of sustainable fashion has brought attention to the environmental benefits of using sheep's wool over synthetic fibers.

Origin of 'woolly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'wull', meaning the hair or fleece of sheep.
  • Related words in other languages, like 'laine' in French or 'lana' in Spanish, also refer to wool.
  • The term has been used to describe not just wool but also anything that resembles its texture.

The word 'woolly' originated in the 16th century, derived from the Old English word 'wull.' It was initially used to describe something made of wool, such as clothing or fabric. Over time, the term evolved to also describe things that resemble wool or have a soft, fuzzy texture. In modern usage, 'woolly' can refer to both literal woolen items and metaphorical concepts that are vague or uncertain.

See also: wool, woolen.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,376, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.