Bristles Meaning in English
word · lemma: bristle
Definition
Thin, stiff hairs or fibers, often found on brushes or animals; also, to react angrily by making hair stand up or showing annoyance.
Usage & Nuances
As a noun, often refers to the part of brushes ('toothbrush bristles', 'paintbrush bristles'); for animals, usually means the stiff hairs on their backs or faces. As a verb, commonly used figuratively: 'bristle with anger' or 'bristles at a comment' (shows irritation). Not the same as 'bristles' in 'bristling with excitement' (here, more about energy or intensity).
Example Sentences
My toothbrush has soft bristles.
basic
A pig has stiff bristles on its back.
basic
He bristles when people criticize him.
basic
The cat’s fur bristles when it feels threatened.
natural
This new paintbrush has really fine bristles—it makes painting easier.
natural
You could see his hair bristle with anger when he heard the news.
natural