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Definition of whisker
whisker
/ˈwɪs.kɚ/
whis · ker
Plural:whiskers
•Adjective:whiskered
whisker Lexical Profile
CEFR
B1
Grade
3
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
whisker Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A long, projecting hair or bristle growing from the face or snout of many mammals, functioning as a highly sensitive tactile organ.
Example
"The cat twitched its whiskers as it investigated the unfamiliar scent in the garden."
2
A very small amount, distance, or margin.
Example
"The reigning champion missed qualifying for the Olympic finals by a mere whisker."
3
The hair growing on a man's face, particularly on the cheeks and chin.
Example
"The old sailor thoughtfully stroked his gray whiskers while gazing out at the stormy sea."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for whisker• Rhymes for whisker
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 16th century: from the verb 'whisk' + '-er'. It originally meant 'anything that whisks or sweeps', and was later applied to facial hair due to its brush-like appearance.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whisker. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whisker