毛毯 (máo tǎn) literally means 'hair blanket'—'毛' (máo) refers to animal hair or wool, and '毯' (tǎn) means 'blanket' or 'rug.' Though historically made from sheep’s wool, modern 毛毯 may be made from synthetic fibers but retain the traditional name due to its soft, fuzzy texture resembling animal fur. It is commonly used for warmth on beds, sofas, or during cold weather.

This word emphasizes material origin and tactile quality rather than strict composition; it contrasts with simpler terms like 床单 (chuángdān, bed sheet) or 被子 (bèizi, quilt), as 毛毯 is typically thinner, portable, and often draped rather than tucked in. It appears frequently in home goods catalogs, travel contexts (e.g., hotel amenities), and winter-related vocabulary.