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mohair

noun
mo·​hair | \ ˈmō-ˌher How to pronounce mohair (audio) \

Definition of mohair

: a fabric or yarn made wholly or in part of the long silky hair of the Angora goat also : this hair
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about mohair

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Did You Know?

Mohair entered the English language in the 16th century, spelled variously as "mocayare," "mockaire," "mokayre," and "moochary." It was borrowed from Italian mocaiarro, a word which itself was borrowed from Arabic mukhayyar. The adjective mukhayyar meant "select" or "choice." How this Arabic adjective came to be the English noun "mohair" is a bit of a mystery. It is possible that "mukhayyar" was used as a colloquial noun in the sense of "wool of prime quality" (that is, "choice wool"). In English, the shift from "mocayare" and similar spellings to "mohair" was likely influenced by the more familiar English word hair.

Examples of mohair in a Sentence

a sweater made of mohair and silk

Recent Examples on the Web

 With the sleep eyes, mohair wig and open mouth the head is attached to a kid body. — Brenda Yenke, cleveland.com, "Zoar Harvest Fest delivers old world charm: Yenke Peddler antiques," 18 July 2019 Bright pink Margiela pants, burgundy Gucci boots—the shirt was meshy and embroidered with felt and velvet pieces, mohair stitching and flowers. — Hannah Chubb, PEOPLE.com, "Antoni Porowski Says His 'You Need to Calm Down' Music Video Look Was 'Inspired' by Elton John," 21 June 2019 Also offered are a variety of products such as bagels, gourmet marshmallows, mohair yarn and clothing, copper jewelry, goats’ milk soap, and much more. — courant.com, "Colchester Farmers Market Opens For The Season," 21 June 2019 Foy is jauntily bohemian in jeans, boots, a purple mohair sweater and a yellow silk scarf. — Gavanndra Hodge, WSJ, "Claire Foy Steps Into the Spotlight," 9 Jan. 2019 The Row super 180s cashmere and wool mohair gabardine suits, $4,600 and $4,200, The Row, 17 East 71st Street, New York Photo: Ethan James Green for WSJ. — Christina Binkley, WSJ, "Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row Launches Menswear," 27 Aug. 2018 Soft textiles, such as sheepskin, wool, and mohair, are a necessity in cold climates, and keep the aesthetic paired down, but add some visual interest. — Sienna Fantozzi, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need To Know About Scandinavian Design," 18 Sep. 2018 The Oly bench is upholstered in Innovations' Mont Blanc mohair; the wall sconces are by Dennis & Leen. — Sarah Yang, House Beautiful, "Top Pin of the Day: A Shaker-Style Staircase," 11 June 2014 On Tuesday, Marks & Spencer, Mango, and Primark also confirmed their commitment to go mohair-free. — refinery29.com, "Why Your Favorite Fast-Fashion Stores Just Banned Mohair," 16 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mohair.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of mohair

1569, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mohair

modification of obsolete Italian mocaiarro, from Arabic mukhayyar, literally, choice

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More Definitions for mohair

mohair

noun
How to pronounce mohair (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of mohair

: an expensive fabric or wool made from the long, soft hair of a goat from Asia

See the full definition for mohair in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mohair

noun
mo·​hair | \ ˈmō-ˌher How to pronounce mohair (audio) \

Kids Definition of mohair

: a fabric or yarn made from the long silky hair of an Asian goat

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