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
Key differences include hollow versus solid stems, branched versus single stems and hairy versus smooth leaves.
—
Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
Plants with hairy leaves can also be more vulnerable to damage from neem oil.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Gardening coach and author Teri Speight says the rabbits in her garden don't bother her tomatoes, noting that this is likely due to their subtle scent and hairy stems.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
Her rock-climbing skills also come in handy when she’s trapped in a narrow gorge, and soon after when a hairy ascent provides echoes of the prologue.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hairy
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Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
Plants with hairy leaves can also be more vulnerable to damage from neem oil.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Gardening coach and author Teri Speight says the rabbits in her garden don't bother her tomatoes, noting that this is likely due to their subtle scent and hairy stems.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
Her rock-climbing skills also come in handy when she’s trapped in a narrow gorge, and soon after when a hairy ascent provides echoes of the prologue.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hairy
Cite this Entry
“Hairy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hairy. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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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