grizzly

adjective

griz·​zly ˈgriz-lē 

grizzlier; grizzliest

: grizzled

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grizzly a noun or an adjective?

Grizzly is both a noun and an adjective. The adjective, meaning "grizzled; sprinkled or streaked with gray," came first. In the early 19th century grizzly also began to be used as a noun, a shortened form of grizzly bear (which was so named because of the animal's grayish fur).

What is the difference between grizzly and grisly?

Grizzly bears are large and ferocious carnivores, and so it is not at all surprising that many people would assume that the initial portion of their name should be interchangeable with grisly. However, grizzly and grisly are not at all synonymous. Grizzly means "sprinkled or streaked with gray," and grisly means "inspiring horror or intense fear" or "inspiring disgust or distaste."

"Are grizzly and grisly from the same root?"

Although these two words are spelled in similar fashion and are often confused, they do not share a root. The word grizzly derives from the Middle English grisel¸ which means "gray" and comes from the Anglo-French gris, describing the same color. Grisly, on the other hand, comes from the Old English grislic, related to an Old English verb meaning "to fear."

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing grizzly

• grizzly bear

Kids Definition

grizzly

1 of 2 adjective

griz·​zly

ˈgriz-lē

grizzlier; grizzliest

: grizzled

grizzly

2 of 2 noun

plural grizzlies

: grizzly bear