merino
[muh-ree-noh]
- (often initial capital letter) one of a breed of sheep, raised originally in Spain, valued for their fine wool.
- wool from such sheep.
- a yarn or fabric made from this wool.
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- made of merino wool, yarn, or cloth.
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Origin of merino
1775–85; < Spanish < Arabic (banū) marīn a Berber tribe known for raising this breed
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for merino
Contemporary Examples
According to WWD, Altuzarra will design a collection in merino wool for the next stage of the competition.
Joseph Altuzarra Named U.S. Representative for International Woolmark Prize; L'Wren Scott Teams Up With Banana RepublicThe Fashion Beast Team
July 10, 2013
Historical Examples
These wools are suitable for almost all classes of Merino and crossbred yarns.
TextilesWilliam H. Dooley
On account of the climate, the quality of the wool, much of it merino, is excellent.
Commercial GeographyJacques W. Redway
He was one of those who brought with them merino sheep into the colony.
The Fixed PeriodAnthony Trollope
Merino is related to mayor, which comes, through French, from Lat.
The Romance of Words (4th ed.)Ernest Weekley
It is only on the hot plains that the merino sheep flourishes to perfection.
Peeps At Many Lands: AustraliaFrank Fox
merino
- a breed of sheep, originating in Spain, bred for their fleece
- the long fine wool of this sheep
- the yarn made from this wool, often mixed with cotton
- pure merino Australian informal
- historya free settler rather than a convict
- an affluent and socially prominent person
- (as modifier)a pure merino cricketer
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- made from merino wool
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Word Origin
C18: from Spanish, origin uncertain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for merino
n.
fine-wool breed of sheep, 1781, from Spanish merino, possibly from Arabic Merini, a Berber family or tribe of sheep farmers in northwest Africa whose animals were imported into Spain 14c.-15c. to improve local breeds. Or from or influenced by Latin majorinus, from major "greater," either in reference to size of the animals or from Spanish derivative merino (n.) "overseer of cattle pastures," also a title of judicial officers. Applied from early 19c. to the wool itself and to various articles made from it.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper