Whisker

/ˈwɪskər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A long, slender hair or bristle, especially one of the long, stiff hairs that grow on the face of certain animals, such as cats or mice.

The cat's whiskers twitched as it watched the bird outside the window.

A similar hair or projection on the face of some other animals.

The rabbit groomed its whiskers with its paw.

A small amount or distance; a hint.

He won the race by a whisker, crossing the finish line just before his opponent.

verb

To move or stir quickly; to whisk.

She whiskered the eggs in the bowl until they were frothy.

From Middle English 'whisker', probably from 'whisk' + agent suffix '-er'.

a whisker away

Very close to something.

by a whisker

By a very small margin.

whisker of a chance

A very slim chance.

mustache

Facial hair grown above the upper lip.

beard

Facial hair that grows on the chin and cheeks.

bristle

A stiff hair or fiber.

Narrow escape or close call.

He missed his flight by a whisker.

A small difference.

The budget is just a whisker over the limit.