merino

American  

[muh-ree-noh] / məˈri noʊ /

noun

plural

merinos

1. (often initial capital letter) one of a breed of sheep, raised originally in Spain, valued for their fine wool.

2. wool from such sheep.

3. a yarn or fabric made from this wool.

---

adjective

1. made of merino wool, yarn, or cloth.

merino British  

/ məˈriːnəʊ /

noun

1. a breed of sheep, originating in Spain, bred for their fleece

2. the long fine wool of this sheep

3. the yarn made from this wool, often mixed with cotton

4. informal

   1. history a free settler rather than a convict

   2. an affluent and socially prominent person

   3. ( as modifier )

      a pure merino cricketer

---

adjective

1. made from merino wool

Etymology

Origin of merino

1775–85; < Spanish < Arabic ( banū ) marīn a Berber tribe known for raising this breed

Example Sentences

Its Wool Runner shoe, made from merino wool, helped draw attention on social media.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

“If I were in charge of RFK Jr. I would put him in a nice merino jogger to do his exercise in,” Giri said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

Livestock from Argentina, Iceland, Norway, and more produce distinctly varied types of wool, from merino to lambswool, cashmere to mohair.

From Slate • Sep. 2, 2025

The exterior is made of tough acrylic fibers, but the interior is lined with brushed merino wool, so the slippers feel soft and toasty warm even on cool tile floors.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2023

The pastures, a lush new green, were dotted with merino sheep and fat milk cows.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

Related Words

• cashmere
• fleece
• fur
• hair
• mohair
• tweed
• yarn