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 spider is the largest and hairiest member of its genus and was identified by David Ortiz of Masaryk University in Czechia and Elier Fonseca of the Cuban Zoological Society. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024

When ripe, the hairy green fruit measures about 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) long. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Each year, millions of Americans tune in for one of the holiday's hairiest and most beloved traditions: The National Dog Show. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024

The hairy, ground-hugging vines of the squirting cucumber Ecballium elaterium might seem like an ordinary weedy plant. —Carolyn Wilke, New York Times, 25 Nov. 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