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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At Collina Strada’s New York Fashion Week spring 2026 show, designer Hillary Taymour sent hairy beanies down the runway, while Schiaparelli and Simone Rocha have produced human hair accessories, neckties, and earrings. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025 Gretchen is just as bad as Tamra, two boils on the same hairy ass. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 The larvae are usually about an 1/8-inch long, tan and covered in hairy bristles. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025 Descriptions of the Mogollon Monster vary, but it's generally described as a large, hairy and humanoid figure, standing over 7 feet tall, with a strong, foul odor. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hairy

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hairy was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hairy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hairy. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

hairy

adjective
ˈha(ə)r-ē How to pronounce hairy (audio)
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
hairiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hairy

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