hairy

adjective

ˈher-ē 

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

ˈher-ē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• bristly
• brushy
• cottony
• fleecy
• furred
• furry
• hirsute
• rough
• shaggy
• silky
• unshorn
• woolly
• wooly

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

The violence is pretty hairy, and now and then it’s used for routine purposes of establishing a character’s depths of ice-cold pathology. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2024

Prince William is experimenting with a new look this summer, one that has been at the center of a hairy situation before. —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 12 Aug. 2024

That is because cats see guinea pigs as big hairy mice, which is their favorite prey. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

An extra-large and very hairy porch pirate was caught red-handed on Ring doorbell footage last week committing a pumpkin heist. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing hairy

• hairy cell leukemia
• hairy-chested
• hairy eyeball
• hairy vetch
• hairy woodpecker

Kids Definition

hairy

adjective

ˈha(ə)r-ē 

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

ˈha(ə)r-ē, ˈhe(ə)r- 

hairier; hairiest

1

: covered with hair or hairlike material

2

: made of or resembling hair

hairiness

ˈhar-ē-nəs, ˈher- 

noun