Bristle Meaning in English
word
ˈbɹɪsəɫ
BRIS-uhl
bɹˈɪsəl
BRIS-uhl
Definition
A 'bristle' is a short, stiff hair, often found on animals or brushes. As a verb, it also means to react angrily or with visible annoyance, like when someone's hair stands up in response to anger or fear.
Usage & Nuances
As a noun: common in contexts about brushes, animals, or physical features. As a verb: often used figuratively for showing anger or irritation—'bristle at a comment'. Not slang, but more descriptive or literary.
Spanish: cerda - erizarsePortuguese (BR): cerda - arrepiar-sePortuguese (PT): cerda - eriçar-seChinese (Simplified): 鬃毛 - （因生气或害怕而）竖起Chinese (Traditional): 鬃毛 - （因生氣或害怕而）豎起Hindi: कूँची का रेशा - तमतमा जानाArabic: شَعْر خَشِن - ينتفض (غضباً أو خوفاً)Bengali: কাঁটা - তীক্ষ্ণ লোম - চটে উঠা (ক্রিয়া)Russian: щетина - ощетиниться (разозлиться)Japanese: 剛毛 - 逆立つ (怒る)Vietnamese: lông cứng - dựng lông (phản ứng giận dữ)Korean: 뻣뻣한 털 - 화를 내다 (행동)Turkish: kıl - tüy - tüyleri kabarmak (sinirlenmek)Urdu: کڑا بال - اکڑ جانا (غصہ ظاہر کرنا)Indonesian: bulu kasar - merengut (karena marah/tersinggung)
Example Sentences
A toothbrush has many bristles.
basic
The dog's bristles stood up when it saw the stranger.
basic
She began to bristle at the criticism.
basic
His voice bristled with anger during the argument.
natural
Don’t bristle—it was just a joke!
natural
The cat’s fur bristled as the thunder rumbled.
natural