frizz

1 of 3

verb (1)

frizzed; frizzing; frizzes

transitive verb

: to form into small tight curls

intransitive verb

of hair : to form a mass of tight curls

frizz

2 of 3

noun

1
: a tight curl
2
: hair that is tightly curled

frizz

3 of 3

verb (2)

frizzed; frizzing; frizzes

transitive verb

: to fry or sear with a sizzling noise

Examples of frizz in a Sentence

Noun She used gel on her hair to control the frizz. a photograph of a 1920s flapper with that trademark frizz on the forehead
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.
Verb
The formulation also includes hemi-squalane, which tames frizz and makes the hair silkier and more manageable. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 This leave-in treatment features guar bean paste that temporarily seals the hair cuticle to reduce the appearance of splitting ends and frizz, all while leaving curls looking healthy and shiny and preventing future breakage from happening. Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
This one skips hot plates entirely, unlike traditional straighteners that can cause damage and frizz. Siena Gagliano, Allure, 11 Mar. 2025 Selena Gomez, too, benefitted from the magic of the Dyson Corrale at the Oscars; her hairstylist Renato Campora created an elegant look straight out of the pages of Old Hollywood by flat ironing Gomez’s hair strands as a shield against flyaways and frizz. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frizz

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

French friser

Verb (2)

alteration of fry entry 1

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1660, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1835, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of frizz was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Frizz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frizz. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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