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

The world could use more shaggy hangouts and layered mysteries, let alone series that manage to be both at the same time. — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Using a wooden spoon or the stand mixer, mix until a shaggy dough forms. — Hali Bey Ramdene, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2026

For a look that’s less voluminous and shaggy, leave the layering until a point just past your bangs at about chin length. — Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026

Lock is maybe 3 years old in one of them, sitting with cheerleaders, sporting closer to a buzz cut than the shaggy hair that would become something of his signature in high school and college. — Sam McDowell 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 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