plural bristles
: a short, stiff hair, fiber, etc.
a face covered with bristles
the bristles of a brush
bristles; bristled; bristling
1
of hair
: to rise up and become stiff
Electricity makes your hair bristle.
2
: to show signs of anger : to become angry
—usually + at
He bristled at the insult.
She bristled at their criticism.
Cite this Entry
“Bristle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bristle. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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