bristle

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈbrɪs.l̩/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Noun

Singular bristle

Plural bristles

Bristles on an oil paintbrush

1. A bristle is a stiff or coarse hair.

   the bristles of a pig

2. Bristles are the hair or straws that make up a brush, broom, or similar item.

Verb

Plain form bristle

Third-person singular bristles

Past tense bristled

Past participle bristled

Present participle bristling

1. If something bristles, it rises or stand erect, like bristles.

   His hair did bristle upon his head.

2. If someone bristles, they are on guard to react with fear, suspicion, or distance.

   The employees bristled at the prospect of working through the holidays.