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Definition of hairsbreadth

hairsbreadth

/ˈhɛərz.brɛtθ/
hairs · breadth
Plural:hairsbreadths
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hairsbreadth Lexical Profile

hairsbreadth Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A minute distance or very narrow margin.

Example

"The cyclist won the championship race by a hairsbreadth."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Extremely narrow or close; achieved or missed by the smallest possible margin.

Example

"The hikers made a hairsbreadth escape just before the rockslide blocked the trail."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

hairnet
hairpiece
hairpin
hairsbreadth
hairsplitter
hairsplitting
hairspray

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century as a contraction of the possessive phrase "hair's breadth," literally referring to the width of a single strand of hair. It was also historically used in English as an old unit of length equal to one forty-eighth of an inch.

Cite this Entry

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