bristle
A short, stiff hair, typically one of those on an animal's skin, a man's face, or a brush. In a scientific or academic context, it refers to any stiff, hair-like structure on an organism.
Examples
3 of 5The old paintbrush had lost half of its bristles, making it impossible to get a smooth finish.
The old paintbrush had lost half of its bristles, making it impossible to get a smooth finish.
The document specifies that the cleaning apparatus must utilize reinforced synthetic bristles to ensure longevity.
The document specifies that the cleaning apparatus must utilize reinforced synthetic bristles to ensure longevity.
Ouch, your chin bristles are really scratchy; you should probably shave.
Ouch, your chin bristles are really scratchy; you should probably shave.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Brush'—the 'Bristles' are the 'Bits' that 'Brush'. They are both stiff and prickly.
Quick Quiz
The toothbrush had such stiff _____ that it made my gums bleed.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bristles
Examples
The old paintbrush had lost half of its bristles, making it impossible to get a smooth finish.
everydayThe old paintbrush had lost half of its bristles, making it impossible to get a smooth finish.
The document specifies that the cleaning apparatus must utilize reinforced synthetic bristles to ensure longevity.
formalThe document specifies that the cleaning apparatus must utilize reinforced synthetic bristles to ensure longevity.
Ouch, your chin bristles are really scratchy; you should probably shave.
informalOuch, your chin bristles are really scratchy; you should probably shave.
Examination under the microscope revealed microscopic bristles on the legs of the specimen used for sensory perception.
academicExamination under the microscope revealed microscopic bristles on the legs of the specimen used for sensory perception.
Our new line of grooming products features ethically sourced hog bristles for premium exfoliation.
businessOur new line of grooming products features ethically sourced hog bristles for premium exfoliation.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
to bristle with
to be full of (usually used as a verb phrase)
hog bristles
coarse hairs from a pig used in brushes
bristle brush
a brush made with stiff hairs
Often Confused With
Brittle means hard but easily broken, whereas bristle is a stiff hair.
Drizzle refers to light rain, whereas bristle refers to hair or texture.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'bristle' refers specifically to the individual stiff hairs. While it can be used collectively, it is most often seen in the plural form when describing brushes or animal coats.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse the noun 'bristle' with the verb 'bristle' (to react angrily or to be covered in). Ensure the context refers to a physical object if using it as a noun.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Brush'—the 'Bristles' are the 'Bits' that 'Brush'. They are both stiff and prickly.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'brustyl', a diminutive of Old English 'byrst', meaning a stiff hair or spike.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western grooming, 'natural bristle' brushes (often boar hair) are traditionally seen as higher quality and more sustainable than plastic versions.
Quick Quiz
The toothbrush had such stiff _____ that it made my gums bleed.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bristles
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free