hairier; hairiest
1
a
: covered with hair or hairlike material
b
: having a downy fuzz on the stems and leaves
2
: made of or resembling hair
3
a
: tending to cause nervous tension (as from danger)
a hairy adventure
b
: difficult to deal with or comprehend
a hairy math problem
hairiness noun

Examples of hairy in a Sentence

The taxi ride got a little hairy. When the deadline approaches, things can get a little hairy.
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.
The larvae are usually about an 1/8-inch long, tan and covered in hairy bristles. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 June 2025 This isn’t the first time that forest-dwelling creatures inspired by Nordic folklore have become a global pop-culture sensation in the form of collectible hairy figurines that are grotesque and cute at the same time. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 June 2025 The sighting of Kelce comes just two days after his hairy back sparked conversation on social media — and even Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins got in on the joke. Natasha Dye, People.com, 27 May 2025 Several things may cause dark black spots on the tongue, including a benign condition called hairy tongue, some medications, and some health conditions. Wendy Wisner, Health, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hairy

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hairy was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hairy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hairy. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hairy

adjective
ˈha(ə)r-ē How to pronounce hairy (audio)
ˈhe(ə)r-
hairier; hairiest
1
: bearing or covered with or as if with hair
2
: made of or resembling hair
3
a
: causing excitement (as from danger)
a hairy adventure
b
: difficult to deal with or understand
a hairy math problem
hairiness noun

Medical Definition

hairy

adjective
hairier; hairiest
1
: covered with hair or hairlike material
2
: made of or resembling hair
hairiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hairy

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