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
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
Genetically identical neurons that form Meissner corpuscles for picking up vibrations in glabrous skin, for example, also form lanceolate endings for detecting hair movement in hairy skin.
—
Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
Each one-inch bloom has a hairy purple calyx with two red petals, resembling the face and ears of a bat.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
The notes record that she was admitted to Queen Victoria Hospital, where she was examined:
This girl has an extensive hairy mole extending from her left shoulder to the left hand, as far as the knuckles involving practically the whole of the arm and forearm.
—Geoff Dyer, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
That seemed like a big, hairy, audacious goal, and one that would motivate me.
—Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hairy
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Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
Each one-inch bloom has a hairy purple calyx with two red petals, resembling the face and ears of a bat.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
The notes record that she was admitted to Queen Victoria Hospital, where she was examined:
This girl has an extensive hairy mole extending from her left shoulder to the left hand, as far as the knuckles involving practically the whole of the arm and forearm.
—Geoff Dyer, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
That seemed like a big, hairy, audacious goal, and one that would motivate me.
—Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hairy
Cite this Entry
“Hairy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hairy. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
hairier; hairiest
1
: covered with hair or hairlike material
2
: made of or resembling hair
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