stubble

1 of 2

noun (1)

stub·​ble ˈstə-bəl 

often attributive

1

: the basal part of herbaceous plants and especially cereal grasses remaining attached to the soil after harvest

2

: a rough surface or growth resembling stubble

especially : a short growth of beard

stubbled

ˈstə-bəld 

adjective

stubbly

ˈstə-b(ə-)lē 

adjective

stubble field

2 of 2

noun (2)

variants or less commonly stubble

plural -s

: a field covered with stubble after harvesting

Examples of stubble in a Sentence

Noun (1)

He ran his hand over his stubble.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The show also includes looks that are really about preserving the performer’s face and employing subtle transformations via stubble or smaller prosthetic pieces. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 4 June 2026

Now 35 and about to embark on his 14th consecutive home Test summer, England’s greatest batter still radiates a boyish quality that no amount of stubble or crow’s feet can dim. —James Wallace, New York Times, 22 May 2026

Fine layers of cotton cling to the stubble of a veteran textile worker’s chin and settle into the creases of his face. —Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

However, in much the same way that a farmer burns a field of stubble after a harvest or a forest regrows with vigor after a fire, flames can have a cleansing and revitalizing effect. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English stuble, from Anglo-French estuble, from Latin stupula stalk, straw, alteration of stipula — more at stipule

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stubble

• stubble mulch

Rhymes for stubble

• bubble
• double
• rubble
• trouble
• redouble

Kids Definition

stubble

noun

stub·​ble ˈstəb-əl 

1

: the stem ends of herbs and especially cereal grasses remaining attached to the ground after harvest

2

: a rough surface or growth resembling stubble

stubbly

-(ə-)lē 

adjective