Wooly vs. Woolly — What's the Difference?

Wooly and woolly are adjectives used to describe objects or animals that are covered in wool or have a texture resembling wool. The primary difference between the two is in their spelling, with woolly being the more commonly accepted form in most English-speaking countries. This form captures the essence of being like wool, in texture, appearance, or in being covered with wool.

Woolly is often used to describe animals, especially sheep, that have a thick, soft coat of wool. It can also refer to materials, clothing, or other items that have a similar texture to wool or are made from wool. Wooly, while conveying the same meaning, is a variant that may appear in different contexts or regions, but it's less frequently used in formal writing.

When discussing the character of materials or clothing, woolly suggests a soft, warm, and often fluffy quality, ideal for insulation against cold. Wooly, on the other hand, conveys a similar sense of warmth and texture but may be seen as a less conventional spelling in some contexts.

In literary or figurative language, woolly can also describe something vague, confused, or not clearly thought out, such as "woolly thinking." The variant wooly can be used in the same way but might be encountered less often in this context.

Choosing between wooly and woolly often depends on the preferred spelling convention of the writer or publication. Woolly is the spelling recommended by most dictionaries and style guides, reflecting its status as the more standard form.