hairy

adjective

ˈher-ē 

hairier; hairiest

1

a

: covered with hair or hairlike material

b

: having a downy fuzz on the stems and leaves

2

: made of or resembling hair

3

a

: tending to cause nervous tension (as from danger)

a hairy adventure

b

: difficult to deal with or comprehend

a hairy math problem

hairiness

ˈher-ē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of hairy

• shaggy
• silky

Examples of hairy in a Sentence

The taxi ride got a little hairy.

When the deadline approaches, things can get a little hairy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Scope 3 is the big, hairy one to get your arms around, but for us Scope 1 is our own operations—not just our stores, but our manufacturing. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

Another way that the U-Penn system offers a massive improvement over previous rigid and hydrogel electrodes – which poorly adhere to hairy skin, or skin wet from perspiration – is in their actual dermal application. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026

Following a hairy landing and bombardment, the pace drops dramatically. — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

New leaves frequently emerge reddish, and the plant may grow as a ground cover, shrub, or climbing vine with hairy aerial roots. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hairy

• hairy cell leukemia
• hairy-chested
• hairy eyeball
• hairy vetch
• hairy woodpecker

Rhymes for hairy

• aerie
• airy
• arie
• barre
• cherry
• clary
• dairy
• eyrie
• faerie
• faery
• fairy
• ferry

Kids Definition

hairy

adjective

ˈha(ə)r-ē 

ˈhe(ə)r-

hairier; hairiest

1

: bearing or covered with or as if with hair

2

: made of or resembling hair

3

a

: causing excitement (as from danger)

a hairy adventure

b

: difficult to deal with or understand

a hairy math problem

hairiness noun

Medical Definition

hairy

adjective

ˈha(ə)r-ē, ˈhe(ə)r- 

hairier; hairiest

1

: covered with hair or hairlike material

2

: made of or resembling hair

hairiness

ˈhar-ē-nəs, ˈher- 

noun