noun
bristle
BRIS-ul
Bristle (noun) means a stiff, coarse hair on an animal or plant, or one of the stiff filaments in a brush. Example: “The boar's bristles stood up along its back.”
noun
1
A stiff, coarse hair on an animal or plant, or one of the stiff filaments in a brush.
"The boar's bristles stood up along its back."
"The bristles on my toothbrush have gone soft."
"Some cacti have bristles as well as spines."
verb
1
To react angrily or defensively, especially when criticised.
"He bristled at the suggestion that he had made a mistake."
"She bristled when they questioned her decision."
"The dog bristled at the sight of the stranger."
2
To be full of something, especially things that stick out.
"The harbour bristled with masts."
"The report bristles with useful figures."
How to use bristle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA stiff hair, or to react defensively.
When to use it
It is used in both everyday and written English.
Common pairings
bristle at
bristle with
the bristles of a brush
stiff bristles
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like bristle.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The boar's _____ stood up along its back.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English, which took it from Old English. It is traced back through Germanic to a diminutive of an older word for bristle.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for bristle
See all rhymes for bristle →Frequently asked questions
What does bristle mean?
As a noun it is a stiff hair or a stiff filament in a brush. As a verb it can mean to react defensively or to be full of something.
What does it mean to bristle at something?
It means to react with irritation or defensiveness towards it.
How do you pronounce bristle?
It is pronounced BRIS-ul, and the t is silent.
What is the meaning of bristle?
"bristle" (noun) means a stiff, coarse hair on an animal or plant, or one of the stiff filaments in a brush.
