Wooly vs. Woolly: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
Wooly and woolly both describe something made of or resembling wool, but "woolly" is the preferred spelling in American English.
Key Differences
Wooly and woolly both pertain to something that has the qualities of wool or is made from wool. Woolly is the standard spelling in American English, ensuring consistency in written communication. Wooly, though sometimes seen, is less commonly used and might be considered an error.
Woolly is used to describe textures or appearances that are fluffy, hairy, or covered in wool. For instance, a woolly sweater refers to a sweater made from or resembling wool. Wooly, while understood in the same context, is a less accepted variant and might not be recognized by all readers.
Woolly is also employed in figurative language to describe something vague or unclear. For example, a woolly idea refers to an idea that is not well defined. Wooly, although it conveys the same idea, is rarely used in this sense due to its uncommonness.
In written works, maintaining the use of woolly can prevent confusion and ensure clarity, as it aligns with standard American English spelling conventions. Wooly, despite being phonetically similar, can appear as a typographical error.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Less common variant of woolly
Standard spelling in American English
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Usage
Rarely used, might be seen as incorrect
Widely accepted and used
Description
Describes something wool-like or made of wool
Describes something wool-like or made of wool
Figurative Use
Less recognized for vague descriptions
Commonly used for vague or unclear descriptions
Spelling Consistency
Not consistent with American English standards
Consistent with American English standards
Wooly and Woolly Definitions
Wooly
Describing something made of wool (less common spelling).
She bought a wooly scarf at the market.
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Woolly
Made of or resembling wool.
She wore a woolly sweater to stay warm.
Wooly
Variant spelling of woolly.
The wooly fabric was soft and warm.
Woolly
Having a fluffy or hairy texture.
The woolly blanket was perfect for the cold night.
Wooly
Having a texture similar to wool (less preferred spelling).
The wooly coat kept him warm in winter.
Woolly
Describes something unclear or vague.
His explanation was a bit woolly and hard to follow.
Wooly
Fluffy or hairy (uncommon spelling).
The wooly dog loved to play outside.
Woolly
Covered in wool.
The woolly sheep grazed in the meadow.
Wooly
Rarely used spelling for something resembling wool.
His wooly hat was quite stylish.
Woolly
Relating to, consisting of, or covered with wool.
Wooly
Variant of woolly.
Woolly
Resembling wool.
Wooly
(American spelling) woolly
Put on a wooly jumper and turn down the thermostat.
Wooly hair
That's the sort of wooly thinking that causes wars to start.
Woolly
Lacking sharp detail or clarity
Woolly television reception.
Wooly
(American spelling) woolly
Woolly
Mentally or intellectually disorganized or unclear
Woolly thinking.
Wooly
Having a fluffy character or appearance
Woolly
Rough, disorderly, or unrestrained
"newspaper ads called for ... stricter gun control everywhere in this wild and woolly nation" (Ed McBain).
Wooly
Confused and vague; used especially of thinking;
Muddleheaded ideas
Your addled little brain
Woolly thinking
Woolly-headed ideas
Woolly
A garment made of wool, especially an undergarment of knitted wool.
Wooly
Covered with dense often matted or curly hairs;
Woolly lambs
Woolly
(Australian) A sheep.
Woolly
Made of wool.
Put on a woolly jumper and turn down the thermostat.
Woolly
Having a thick, soft texture, as if made of wool.
Woolly hair
There was nothing left in the fruit bowl but a brown banana and a couple of woolly pears.
Woolly
Based on emotions rather than logic.
That's the sort of woolly thinking that causes wars to start.
Woolly
(figuratively) Unclear, fuzzy, hazy, cloudy.
Woolly
(obsolete) Clothed in wool.
Woolly
(informal) A sweater or similar garment made of wool.
Woolly
A sheep not yet shorn.
Woolly
A piece of woolwork.
Woolly
A woolly back; someone from the area around Liverpool, not from Liverpool itself.
Woolly
Consisting of wool; as, a woolly covering; a woolly fleece.
Woolly
Resembling wool; of the nature of wool.
Woolly
Clothed with wool.
Woolly
Clothed with a fine, curly pubescence resembling wool.
Woolly
Having a fluffy character or appearance
Woolly
Confused and vague; used especially of thinking;
Muddleheaded ideas
Your addled little brain
Woolly thinking
Woolly-headed ideas
Woolly
Covered with dense often matted or curly hairs;
Woolly lambs
Woolly
Covered with dense cottony hairs or hairlike filaments;
The woolly aphid has a lanate coat resembling cotton
Woolly
Commonly used in American English for wool-like descriptions.
The woolly mammoth roamed the ancient plains.
FAQs
What does wooly mean?
Wooly is a variant spelling of woolly, less commonly used and often considered incorrect.
Is wooly a correct spelling?
Wooly is less commonly used and might be considered a misspelling; woolly is preferred.
Why is woolly preferred over wooly?
Woolly is preferred because it is the standardized spelling in American English.
What does woolly describe?
Woolly describes something that has the qualities of wool or is made from wool, and also something vague or unclear.
What does woolly mean?
Woolly describes something made of or resembling wool, and is the standard spelling in American English.
Is woolly used in figurative language?
Yes, woolly can describe something that is vague or unclear.
Is woolly used in British English?
Yes, woolly is also used in British English with the same meaning.
Which spelling is more common in American English?
Woolly is the more common and accepted spelling in American English.
Can wooly be found in dictionaries?
Wooly may be found in some dictionaries but is often noted as a less common variant.
Can wooly and woolly be used interchangeably?
Technically yes, but woolly is the accepted spelling in American English.
Is wooly ever considered correct?
Wooly is not the standard spelling and is less commonly accepted.
What is an example of woolly in a sentence?
e.g., The woolly blanket was very comforting during the winter.
What part of speech is woolly?
Woolly is an adjective.
Can woolly be used to describe animals?
Yes, woolly can describe animals with thick, wool-like fur.
Does woolly have any synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include fuzzy, hairy, and fluffy.
What is the etymology of woolly?
Woolly comes from the word wool, describing something that has the characteristics of wool.
Can woolly describe a person's ideas?
Yes, woolly can describe ideas that are not well-defined or clear.
Are there other words like woolly that have multiple spellings?
Yes, words like "color/colour" and "gray/grey" have multiple spellings depending on the region.
Is woolly a commonly used word?
Yes, woolly is commonly used, especially in contexts related to fabric and texture.
What is an example of wooly in a sentence?
e.g., The wooly texture of the sweater was quite pleasant.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
