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Definition of bristly

bristly

/ˈbrɪs.li/
bris · tly
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bristly Lexical Profile

bristly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Covered with or having short, stiff, prickly hairs or fibres.

Example

"He rubbed a hand across his bristly chin before heading to the bathroom to shave."

2

Easily provoked, irritable, or hostile in temperament.

Example

"The committee chairman had a bristly demeanour that discouraged anyone from asking follow-up questions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for bristly

• Nearby Words

bristletooth
bristliness
bristling
bristly
bristol
brit
britain

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the noun 'bristle'—which derives from the Old English 'byrst' (meaning a stiff hair)—combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bristly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bristly
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