What does woolie mean?
A woolie is an informal word for a woollen sweater or jumper, especially a warm, knitted garment. It is most strongly associated with British English and is understood in other varieties of English as well, although sweater is more usual in American English. In everyday conversation, the word often suggests something comfortable and dependable: a favourite winter layer, a handmade garment, or a nostalgic item from an earlier stage of life. Its warmth comes partly from its associations with wool and partly from its informal, familiar sound. The spelling with a final -ie is especially typical of British usage. Although woolie can sound old-fashioned or conversational rather than formal, it remains natural in contexts such as putting on a woolie, describing an old woolie, or discussing knitted clothing. It should not be confused with the adjective woolly, which describes something made of wool and can also carry figurative meanings involving vagueness or lack of clarity.
nounAn informal term for a woollen sweater or jumper, especially a warm knitted one.
- An informal British term for a woollen sweater or jumper.
"She pulled on her thick woolie before heading out into the cold."
"I found my favourite woolie at the back of the wardrobe."
"The shop sells handmade woolies for children and adults."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"She packed several warm woolies for the trip."
A woolie is the classic British shorthand for a sweater that does more than keep you warm: it can be a reassuring, homespun symbol of winter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of woolie
Woolie is formed from wool with the familiar suffix -ie, creating an informal name for a garment made from wool. The word is closely associated with British and Australian English and developed within the broader family of terms woolen, woollen, and woolly. Its relationship to those forms reflects a shared origin in the material and clothing sense of wool.
How woolie is actually used
Chiefly informal and associated with British English, though the word is also used in Australia and understood elsewhere. In American English, sweater is generally the usual term. The expression often carries a warm, familiar, or nostalgic tone rather than a formal one.
Easily confused with woolie
Woolie is a noun meaning a woollen sweater or jumper, whereas woolly is primarily an adjective meaning made of wool, though it can also be a noun in some varieties of English.