# wool

/ˈwʊɫ/ (US) · /wˈʊl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wool
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. animal hair

noun · CEFR B1

the soft, thick hair that grows on sheep, goats, or llamas.

For teachers: the dense, curly hair forming the coat of sheep and similar ruminants.

- The farmer sheared the sheep to collect their thick winter wool.
- High-quality wool is harvested from Merino sheep, prized for its exceptional softness and thermal properties compared to coarser varieties.

### 2. fabric or yarn

noun · CEFR B1

a warm material or thread used for making clothes like sweaters and blankets.

For teachers: textile fabric or yarn made from the processed hair of sheep or other animals.

- She bought three balls of blue wool to knit a scarf for her brother.
- The designer opted for a heavy wool blend to ensure the winter coat maintained its structure while providing maximum insulation.

### 3. fibrous material

noun · CEFR B2

a material that looks or feels like sheep's hair, such as steel wool for cleaning.

For teachers: any substance with a fibrous or tangled texture resembling animal wool.

- Use a piece of steel wool to scrub the rust off the old metal pan.
- The cavity walls were packed with mineral wool to improve the building's energy efficiency and soundproofing.

### 4. outsider from Liverpool

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect · Informal

a person who lives in a town just outside of Liverpool.

For teachers: a derogatory term for a resident of the satellite towns surrounding Liverpool, such as St Helens or Warrington.

- He grew up in St Helens, so some people in Liverpool call him a wool.
- The term 'wool' is often used by Liverpudlians to distinguish themselves from those living in the surrounding industrial boroughs.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific regional term used in the North West of England; learners should avoid using it as it can be seen as insulting.

## Examples

- This sweater is made from pure wool.
- Farmers shear the sheep every spring to collect the wool before the weather gets too hot.
- The textile industry distinguishes between various grades of wool based on fiber diameter, with finer strands commanding a significant premium for high-end garment production.

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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.