Woolens

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Fabric items made from sheep's wool or similar materials, often used for clothing and warm accessories
2. Textile products crafted from the fleece of sheep, frequently employed in apparel and insulation for cold weather
3. Garments or articles produced from wool, typically designed for warmth and comfort during cooler seasons

Etymology: "Woolens" is the plural of "woolen," an adjective-turned-noun that makes "wool" plus the suffix "-en," meaning "made of." The base word "wool" is Old English in origin, and the "-en" ending is the same one found in "golden" or "wooden," so "woolen" simply means "made of wool." The plural form "woolens" is used for the finished garments and cloths themselves, the sweaters, blankets and suits that wool produces. The more interesting detail is how the word lived as two parts of speech. The adjective "woolen" describes an object made from wool, as in a woolen scarf, while the noun "woolens" lets speakers refer to a whole category of such goods at once. Because the suffix is so transparent, the word needs little explanation, and its meaning has stayed close to its literal sense of "made of wool."

Synonyms: fabrics, textiles, materials, cloths, goods