# fleece

/ˈfɫis/ (US) · /flˈiːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fleece
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. sheep's wool

noun · CEFR B2

the thick coat of wool that covers a sheep or similar animal.

For teachers: the woolly coat of a sheep or other long-haired animal, especially when shorn and kept as a single piece.

- The farmer spent the whole morning shearing the thick fleece from the sheep.
- After the spring shearing, the raw fleece must be cleaned and carded before it can be spun into high-quality yarn.

### 2. a warm jacket

noun · CEFR B1

a soft, warm jacket or top made from a light, woolly synthetic fabric.

For teachers: a garment made of a soft, napped synthetic fabric, typically polyester, designed for thermal insulation.

- It was getting cold outside, so he put on his blue fleece before the hike.
- Modern outdoor enthusiasts prefer a lightweight fleece as a mid-layer because it retains heat even when slightly damp from perspiration.

### 3. to trick someone

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to take a lot of money from someone in a way that is unfair or dishonest.

For teachers: to deprive someone of money or possessions through deception or overcharging.

- The dishonest mechanic tried to fleece the tourists by charging double for the repair.
- Vulnerable investors were fleeced of their life savings by a firm promising unrealistic returns on offshore accounts.

### 4. to shear an animal

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to cut the wool off a sheep.

For teachers: to remove the woolly coat from an animal by shearing.

- The sheep were gathered in the barn to be fleeced before the summer heat.
- Experienced shearers can fleece a sheep in under two minutes without causing any distress to the animal.

## Examples

- I bought a warm fleece for my hiking trip.
- The farmer sheared the sheep's thick fleece to prepare the wool for spinning into yarn.
- Advancements in textile engineering have produced synthetic fleece that mimics the thermal properties of natural wool while offering superior moisture-wicking capabilities for high-performance outdoor activities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.