shaggy

adjective

shag·​gy ˈsha-gē 

shaggier; shaggiest

1

a

: covered with or consisting of long, coarse, or matted hair

b

: covered with or consisting of thick, tangled, or unkempt vegetation

c

: having a rough nap, texture, or surface

d

: having hairlike processes

2

a

: unkempt

b

: confused or unclear in conception or thinking

shaggy ideas

a shaggy argument

shaggily

ˈsha-gə-lē 

adverb

shagginess

ˈsha-gē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of shaggy

• hairy
• silky

Examples of shaggy in a Sentence

a big, shaggy dog kept trying to lick my face

a shaggy carpet that was a relic of the 1970s

Recent Examples on the Web

Spot shaggy giants grazing in the heart of the city. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

The impressive North American tree, thriving in growing zones 4 through 8, is renowned for its unique gray bark that peels off in shaggy plates. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026

But others believe that Sundance has outgrown the town, which has become a glossy vacation destination for the 1% instead of a shaggy getaway for artsy types. —Brent Lang, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026

To keep the look from feeling too businesslike, finish with a quirky shaggy coat and loafer shoes. —Irina Grechko, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing shaggy

• shaggy-dog
• shaggy-dog story

Rhymes for shaggy

• aggie
• baggy
• craggy
• flaggy
• scraggy

Kids Definition

shaggy

adjective

shag·​gy ˈshag-ē 

shaggier; shaggiest

1

: covered with or made up of long, coarse, or tangled growth

2

: having a rough or hairy surface

shaggily

ˈshag-ə-lē 

adverb

shagginess

ˈshag-ē-nəs 

noun