B1noun2K

Wool

UK /["/wʊl/"]/US /["/wʊl/"]/

Definition

the soft hair that covers the body of sheep and some other animals

In simple words: A soft, warm material made from the hair of sheep.

Examples

  • Sheep were kept for their wool and meat.
  • a ball of wool
  • I bought knitting wool for a cardigan.
  • She’s knitting a jumper in pure wool.
  • She spun wool by hand to weave into clothing.
  • This scarf is 100% wool.
  • pure new wool
  • a wool blanket/sweater

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written English. Appropriate for discussing clothing, textiles, and animal products. Avoid in contexts not related to fabric or materials.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Imagine a warm, fuzzy sheep wearing a cozy wool sweater.

Collocations

  • thick
  • fine
  • soft
  • ball
  • skein
  • produce
  • spin
  • card
  • merchant
  • trade
  • shop
  • thick
  • fine
  • soft
  • ball
  • skein
  • produce
  • spin
  • card
  • merchant
  • trade
  • shop
  • thick
  • fine
  • soft
  • ball
  • skein
  • produce
  • spin
  • card
  • merchant
  • trade
  • shop

Synonyms

  • fiber
  • yarn
  • cashmere
  • alpaca
  • merino

Antonyms

  • cotton
  • synthetic fabric

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'woolen', which refers to items made of wool.
  • Incorrectly spelling it as 'wooll'.
  • Using it in place of 'fur' for animal hair.