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 of lint

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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.
During the 2025-2026 growing season, OCA is projected to work with more than 10,000 farmers across nearly 60,000 hectares, producing 16,000 metric tons of lint across the Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh regions. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Separating towels protects delicate fabrics from damage and reduces lint transfer to other items. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026 Spray the window with the solution and squeegee the window from top to bottom, then wipe around the edges of the window with a lint-free microfiber cloth. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 28 Sep. 2026 How Washing Machine Seals Collect Grime A washing machine door seal is a prime spot for grime to accumulate because the seal’s tight folds trap hair, lint, and other debris. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing lint

Rhymes for lint

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Browse Nearby Words

linstock
lint
lint bells
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Cite this Entry

“Lint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lint. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lint

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