Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Wooly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🐑
Add to dictionary

wooly

[ˈwʊli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

texture appearance

Wooly describes something that is soft, fluffy, or covered in wool. It often refers to the texture of fabrics or the appearance of animals like sheep. The term can also imply something that is indistinct or vague.

Synonyms

fluffy, fuzzy, shaggy.

Examples of usage

  • The wooly blanket kept me warm during the winter nights.
  • She wore a wooly sweater that looked incredibly cozy.
  • The dog had a wooly coat, making it look like a living teddy bear.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Wool is naturally insulating, which helps to regulate body temperature for both sheep and humans wearing wool fabric.
  • The structure of wool fibers is crimped, giving it elasticity and making it great for retaining warmth.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, wool is a symbol of comfort and homeliness, associated with cozy clothing and familiar surroundings.
  • Traditional garments like sweaters and blankets from various cultures are often made from wool, showcasing its importance in daily life.

Art

  • Wool has been used for centuries in textile arts, including weaving and knitting, making it a favored material for artists.
  • In medieval times, tapestries crafted from wool depicted intricate stories and showcased craftsmanship.

Environmental Impact

  • Wool is a renewable resource, as sheep grow their fleece back each year, making it a sustainable material choice.
  • However, the wool industry faces challenges, such as maintaining animal welfare and reducing the environmental impact of sheep farming.

Origin of 'wooly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wooly' comes from the Old English 'wul', referring to the hair of sheep.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the soft, fluffy texture that comes from wool.

The term 'wooly' originated from the Old English word 'wull', which means wool. This word has historical roots in the Germanic languages, tracing back to the Proto-Germanic '*wullō', which is related to the Old High German 'wolla' and the Dutch 'wolle'. Wool has been a significant material in textiles for centuries, primarily derived from sheep. The transition of the word into 'wooly' likely reflects the characteristics of wool as a soft, fluffy material. Used initially to describe something that is made from wool, the term evolved to encompass descriptions of textures and qualities that resemble the softness and fluffiness of wool. Over time, 'wooly' has also adopted metaphorical uses, relating to things that have a vague or indistinct quality, much like the way a wooly cloud can obscure visibility.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,838 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.