Bristle Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of BRISTLE

[count]

:

a short, stiff hair, fiber, etc.

• a face covered with bristles
• the bristles of a brush

— bristly

/ˈbrɪsli/

adjective

bristlier;

bristliest

• a bristly mustache

Britannica Dictionary definition of BRISTLE

[no object]

1

of hair

:

to rise up and become stiff

• Electricity makes your hair bristle.

2

:

to show signs of anger

:

to become angry

— usually + at

• He bristled at the insult.
• She bristled at their criticism.

bristle with

[phrasal verb]

1

bristle with (something)

:

to be covered with (something)

• a bush bristling with thorns
• The hillside bristled with soldiers.

2

:

to be full of (something)

• The movie bristles with excitement. [=the movie is very exciting]
• He bristles with energy.