The spelling of the word "woollen" can be tricky because it contains a double "o" and a double "l." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈwʊlən/ with emphasis on the first syllable. The double "o" represents a long "u" sound, while the double "l" is pronounced with a slight pause in between the two Ls. The word "woollen" is commonly used in British English to describe garments made from wool, such as sweaters or scarves.
Woollen is an adjective referring to something made from or relating to wool. It specifically denotes materials, fabrics, or garments that are produced from the soft, curly hair of sheep or other animals with woolly coats. Wool is a natural fiber formed from the fleece or coat of these animals, and it can be processed into yarn or thread to create various woollen items.
Woollen fabrics are known for their excellent insulating properties and warmth. Due to the crimp in the wool fibers, they are able to trap air, creating small pockets that act as thermal protection against the cold. This makes woollen materials highly suitable for winter wear, blankets, and cold-weather accessories.
Woollen items are often characterized by their softness, resilience, and ability to retain heat even when wet. As a result of these unique characteristics, woollen fabrics are frequently used to create sweaters, coats, scarves, socks, and other garments and accessories designed for colder climates.
In addition to providing warmth, woollen textiles are also appreciated for their breathability and moisture-wicking abilities. The natural fibers allow air circulation, while absorbing and evaporating moisture, preventing the accumulation of sweat on the skin. This makes woollen materials comfortable to wear in a wide range of temperatures and activities.
Woollen can also be used metaphorically to describe something that resembles or is similar to wool, such as a woollen texture or appearance.
Made of wool; consisting of wool; pert. to wool.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "woollen" is derived from the Middle English word "wolnen" which comes from the Old English word "wullēne". This Old English term was formed by combining "wull" (meaning "wool") with the suffix "-en" (indicating material or product). Additionally, the Old English "wull" derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wullō", and ultimately connects to the Sanskrit word "ūrṇā" (meaning "wool"). As such, "woollen" has an ancient etymology that can be traced back to Indo-European roots.