What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
woollen
Example
I bought a woollen sweater to keep me warm in the winter. [woollen: adjective]
Example
The scarf was made of soft and warm woollen fabric. [woollen: noun]
woolly
Example
The sheep had a thick, woolly coat. [woolly: adjective]
Example
His explanation was a bit woolly and hard to follow. [woolly: adjective]
Example
The instructions were too woolly and didn't provide enough detail. [woolly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Woollen is more commonly used in British English, while woolly is more commonly used in American English. Both words are used in everyday language, but woolly is often used in informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between woollen and woolly?
Woollen is more formal than woolly, which is often used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
