Search Dictionary
Definition of gristly

gristly

/ˈɡrɪs.li/
grist · ly
JUMP TO:

gristly Lexical Profile

gristly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Consisting of, containing, or resembling tough, chewy cartilage, especially in meat.

Example

"The inexpensive cut of beef was too tough and gristly to enjoy without slow-cooking it for several hours."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gristly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gristly

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'gristly' (containing tough cartilage in meat) with its homophone 'grizzly' (meaning grayish or referring to the grizzly bear) or 'grisly' (meaning gruesome or horrifying).

• Rhymes for gristly

• Nearby Words

grisly
grist
gristle
gristly
gristmill
grit
grits

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from 'gristle' (from Old English 'gristel', meaning cartilage) plus the adjective-forming suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gristly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gristly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.