Words / B1

KOTNR-eel/ˈkɒtn riːl/

A cotton reel (id: cotton-reel) is a small spool that holds sewing thread (UK). Cotton wool is fluffy padding; a bobbin is the small spool inside a sewing machine. Textiles: a cotton reel is counted out and in; wrapping it round a chair is not storage.

Meaning

A small spool that holds sewing thread (UK).

Examples

• “A cotton reel in textiles is counted out and in; wrapping it round a chair is not storage.”
• “Cotton-reel thread on the floor is a slip risk; it still goes in the accident book if someone trips.”

Good to know

a cotton reel (UK). Contrast: cotton wool / a bobbin. Textiles. Countable reels. Mix-up: cotton can mean cloth; a cotton reel is the thread spool.

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