noun
Uncommon
kemp
kehmp
Kemp (noun) means Coarse, bristly hair or fiber, especially in wool, that will not felt or dye properly (archaic/technical). Example: “The weaver picked out the kemp before spinning the wool.”
noun
1
Coarse, bristly hair or fiber, especially in wool, that will not felt or dye properly (archaic/technical).
"The weaver picked out the kemp before spinning the wool."
adj
1
Rough or shaggy in texture (archaic).
"The old sheepdog had a kemp, weather-worn coat."
How to use kemp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old or technical word for coarse, bristly hair or wool fiber.
When to use it
Rare outside textile and wool-industry contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- kemps
- Third person singular
- kemps
- Past tense
- kemped
- Comparative
- more kemp
- Superlative
- most kemp
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The weaver picked out the _____ before spinning the wool.
Etymology
From Old English cenep, meaning "moustache" or "bristling point", ultimately related to the word chin.
Rhymes for kemp
See all rhymes for kemp →Frequently asked questions
What does “kemp” mean?
The word “kemp” means coarse, bristly hair or fiber, especially in wool, that will not felt or dye properly (archaic/technical). In plain terms, an old or technical word for coarse, bristly hair or wool fiber.
How do you pronounce “kemp”?
“Kemp” is pronounced kehmp (/kɛmp/ in IPA).
How do you use “kemp” in a sentence?
Here is “kemp” used in a sentence: “The weaver picked out the kemp before spinning the wool.”
What part of speech is “kemp”?
Depending on how it is used, “kemp” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “kemp” come from?
The word “kemp” comes from Old English. From Old English cenep, meaning "moustache" or "bristling point", ultimately related to the word chin.
Is “kemp” a common word?
“Kemp” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “kemp” have?
“Kemp” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: coarse, bristly hair or fiber, especially in wool, that will not felt or dye properly (archaic/technical).
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