kemp

noun

ˈkemp

: a coarse fiber especially of wool that is usually short, wavy, and white, has little affinity for dye, and is used in mixed wools

Word History

Etymology

Middle English kempe coarse hair, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse kampr mustache; akin to Old English cenep mustache

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of kemp was in 1641

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Kemp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kemp. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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