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Definition of chenille

chenille

/ʃəˈniːl/
che · nille
Plural:chenilles
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chenille Lexical Profile

chenille Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A soft, tufted yarn with a thick velvety pile protruding all around from a central core, used for knitting, embroidery, and trimmings.

Example

"She knitted a warm winter throw blanket using thick cream-colored chenille."

2

A plush woven or knitted fabric made with tufted yarn, commonly used for upholstery, bedspreads, and robes.

Example

"The vintage armchair was reupholstered in a durable emerald-green chenille."

• Rhymes for chenille

• Nearby Words

chenab
chenet
chengdu
chenille
chennai
cheonjeyeon
cheonjiyeon

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-18th century from French chenille, literally meaning 'hairy caterpillar' (which the fuzzy yarn resembles), ultimately derived from Latin canicula ('little dog').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Chenille. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/chenille
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