First Known Use: circa 1600
Dictionary
whisker
noun whis·ker \ˈhwis-kər, ˈwis-\
: a hair that grows on a man's face
: any one of the long, stiff hairs that grow near the mouth of some animals
: a very small distance or amount
Full Definition of WHISKER
1
a : a hair of the beard b plural (1) archaic : mustache (2) : the part of the beard growing on the sides of the face or on the chin c : hairbreadth <lost the race by a whisker>
2
: one of the long projecting hairs or bristles growing near the mouth of an animal (as a cat or bird)
3
: an outrigger extending on each side of the bowsprit to spread the jib and flying jib guys —usually used in plural
4
a : a shred or filament resembling a whisker b : a thin hairlike crystal (as of sapphire or copper) of exceptional mechanical strength used especially to reinforce composite structural material
— whis·kered \-kərd\ adjective
— whis·kery \-k(ə-)rē\ adjective
See whisker defined for English-language learners
See whisker defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of WHISKER
singular of whiskers mustache, from 2whisk
WHISKERY Defined for Kids
whisker
noun whis·ker \ˈhwi-skər, ˈwi-\
Definition of WHISKER for Kids
1
whiskers plural : the part of the beard that grows on the sides of the face and on the chin
2
: one hair of the beard
3
: a long bristle or hair growing near the mouth of an animal (as a cat)
Learn More About WHISKER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: whiskeragePrevious Word in the Dictionary: whisk broomAll Words Near: whisker
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up whisker? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).