chenille

American  

[shuh-neel] / ʃəˈnil /

noun

1. a velvety cord or yarn of silk or worsted, for embroidery, fringes, etc.

2. fabric made with a fringed silken thread used as the weft in combination with wool or cotton.

3. any fabric with a protruding pile, as in certain rayon bedspreads.

4. a deep-pile, durable, woolen carpeting with chenille weft: the most expensive power-loomed floor covering.

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chenille British  

/ ʃəˈniːl /

noun

1. a thick soft tufty silk or worsted velvet cord or yarn used in embroidery and for trimmings, etc

2. a fabric of such yarn

3. a rich and hard-wearing carpet of such fabric

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Etymology

Origin of chenille

1730–40; < French: velvety cord, literally, caterpillar < Latin canīcula, with etymological sense “little dog,” though attested only in senses “shrewish woman, dogfish, Sirius” ( see canicular); for parallel use of “cat” in same sense, see caterpillar

Explanation

Chenille is a soft, tufted type of material. If fuzziness is what you want in a sweater, go for chenille (especially if you can't afford cashmere). Chenille is any sort of yarn that has long pile — that is, stringy ends that are rooted in the core. It could help you remember what chenille is if you know it’s a French word originally meaning “hairy caterpillar,” which is something it resembles. Chenille is used in making many products, including clothes and carpets. Chenille is also often used to make decorative trim on furniture or curtains.

Example Sentences

Other people suggested washing the cushion covers in the washing machine as an easier and more effective solution, but my chenille couch fabric isn't machine-washable.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2023

The clapboard house is outfitted with items that reflect the era: a chenille bedspread, kerosene lamp, one small dresser.

From New York Times • Nov. 1, 2022

The polyester rug cover has a polyurethane waterproof barrier sandwiched between the top surface, made from 100% woven polyester chenille, and the bottom surface, made of 100% polyester knit.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2020

She was padding around her ocean-view hotel suite in a pink chenille robe adorned with white hearts.

From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2020

There are flowers on the wallpaper and curtains, and the bed is covered with chenille.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen