# Kemp

/ˈkɛmp/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. coarse hair in wool

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Dialect

thick, stiff hairs found in wool or animal fur that do not take dye well and are hard to spin.

For teachers: coarse, brittle, and opaque medullated fibres found in a fleece that resist dyes and reduce the quality of the textile.

- The farmer checked the wool for kemp because it makes the fabric feel itchy.
- The presence of excessive kemp in the fleece significantly lowered its market value, as these brittle fibres do not absorb pigment during the dyeing process.

Usage: Usually uncountable when referring to the material, but countable when referring to individual hairs.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specialised term used primarily in agriculture, textile manufacturing, and certain British dialects.

## Examples

- The farmer checked the wool for kemp before selling it.
- High levels of kemp in the fleece significantly reduce the market value of the wool because it creates uneven coloring during the dyeing process.
- While some primitive sheep breeds naturally possess a double coat containing kemp, modern textile production favors uniform fibers that allow for consistent texture and deep pigment absorption.

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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.