lint

1 of 2

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

linty

2 of 2

adjective

ˈlintē How to pronounce linty (audio)
-er/-est
: like lint : full of or covered with lint

Synonyms of lint

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Noun

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Examples of lint in a Sentence

Noun 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.
Noun
According to Stein, every load leaves behind detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, and minerals from your water, and all of that builds up over time. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 The lint should be removed from the screen after every load of laundry. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026 Before touching any shaver, vacuum the surface with a soft brush attachment on low suction, then try a lint brush, rubber cleaning gloves or a lint roller with minimal pressure. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Microfiber is also often the better choice for effectively trapping dust and polishing surfaces without the risk of leaving behind lint or scratches. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lint

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Middle English

First Known Use

Noun

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

See All Rhymes for lint

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 11 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of lint for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lint

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