lint

noun

ˈlint How to pronounce lint (audio)
Synonyms of lintnext
1
a
: a soft fleecy material made from linen usually by scraping
b
: fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric
2
: a fibrous coat of thick convoluted hairs borne by cotton seeds that yields the cotton staple
lintless
ˈlint-ləs How to pronounce lint (audio)
adjective
linty
ˈlin-tē How to pronounce lint (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of lint in a Sentence

I always have lint in my pocket. The clothes dryer was clogged with lint.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The viral TikTok gadget crushes fur and lint like nothing else. — Simon Hill, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025 Use a dry microfiber cloth, lint roller, or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to dust the ceiling before cleaning. — Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025 Designed to pick up everything from lint to pet hair, this Dyson vacuum has been a complete game changer for commerce writer Julia Harrison’s cleaning routine. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025 Whether your goal is to look professional on a business trip or stylish on a girls’ trip, this mini lint roller will keep your clothes looking clean and crisp. — Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lint was in the 14th century

Rhymes for lint

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Browse Nearby Words

linstock
lint
lint bells
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lint. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Medical Definition

lint

noun
ˈlint How to pronounce lint (audio)
1
: a soft fleecy material used for poultices and dressings for wounds and made from linen usually by scraping
2
British : sterile cotton cloth used for dressings

More from Merriam-Webster on lint

Nglish: Translation of lint for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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