whisker

noun

whis·​ker ˈ(h)wi-skər How to pronounce whisker (audio)
1
a
: a hair of the beard
b whiskers plural
(1)
archaic : mustache
(2)
: the part of the beard growing on the sides of the face or on the chin
c
: hairbreadth
lost the race by a whisker
2
: one of the long projecting hairs or bristles growing near the mouth of an animal (such as a cat or bird)
3
: an outrigger extending on each side of the bowsprit to spread the jib and flying jib guys
usually used in plural
4
a
: a shred or filament resembling a whisker
b
: a thin hairlike crystal (as of sapphire or copper) of exceptional mechanical strength used especially to reinforce composite structural material
whiskered adjective
whiskery adjective

Examples of whisker in a Sentence

He won the race by a whisker.
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.
Stock futures rose Friday, with the S&P 500 just a whisker away from its all-time high, as hope for a U.S.-China trade deal grew and traders awaited fresh U.S. inflation data. Brian Evans,alex Harring, CNBC, 26 June 2025 To test the theory, researchers analyzed the isotopes in the individual whiskers of leopard seals to identify their prey sources over a period of multiple years, according to a June 24 news release from the Georgia Aquarium, which was involved in the study. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025 Its little whiskers and claws were visible in the upload. Angel Saunders, People.com, 14 June 2025 For example, lasers can quickly and safely mimic the finishing effects of potassium permanganate (PP), creating vintage effects, whiskers, patterns and even intentional holes and tears. Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for whisker

Word History

Etymology

singular of whiskers mustache, from whisk entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of whisker was circa 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whisker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whisker. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

whisker

noun
whis·​ker ˈhwis-kər How to pronounce whisker (audio)
ˈwis-
1
a
: a hair of the beard
b
plural : the part of the beard growing on the sides of the face or on the chin
2
: one of the long hairs or bristles growing near the mouth of an animal (as a cat or mouse)
whiskered adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on whisker

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