What does duffle mean?
Duffle is a noun referring either to a coarse, thickly woven woolen cloth originally produced in the town of Duffel in Belgium, or — much more commonly today — to the large, cylindrical bag made from this cloth or similar durable fabric. The duffle bag, with its drawstring closure and soft-sided shape, has long been associated with soldiers and sailors who needed to carry their belongings compactly, and it remains a popular choice for gym-goers, campers, and travellers. In British English the spelling "duffle" predominates, though American English favours "duffel." The word also survives in "duffle coat," a hooded garment fastened with wooden toggle buttons. With its associations of rugged practicality and life on the move, "duffle" evokes a sense of readiness and adventure rather than refinement.
A coarse woolen cloth of thick texture.
"The tailor recommended a hard-wearing duffle for the winter overcoat."
A cylindrical bag of canvas or heavy cloth used for carrying clothes and personal effects, especially by soldiers and travellers.
"He packed his duffle the night before shipping out."
Regular plural formation; typically used when referring to multiple bags rather than multiple types of cloth.
"A row of green duffles lined the barracks wall."
Duffle is named after Duffel, a small Belgian town whose thick woolen cloth became so famous that it gave its name to both a coat and a bag carried by soldiers, sailors, and travellers worldwide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of duffle
The word duffle derives from Duffel, a town in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, where a coarse woolen cloth of the same name was manufactured. The term entered English in the seventeenth century, first denoting the fabric itself before being extended to the bags and coats made from it. It shares its origin with "duffel," which is simply an alternative spelling rather than a separate etymological line.
Related word forms
How duffle is actually used
"Duffle" and "duffel" are interchangeable spelling variants of the same word. "Duffle" is somewhat more common in British English, while "duffel" is preferred in American English. The word carries connotations of travel, military life, and sturdy practicality rather than elegance. In modern usage, "duffle bag" is far more common than bare "duffle" when referring to the container.
Easily confused with duffle
"Duffle" and "duffel" are spelling variants of the same word; "duffel" is more common in American English while "duffle" appears more often in British usage.
"Doughy" describes something soft and heavy like dough, whereas "duffle" refers to a type of coarse cloth or the bags made from it.