Meaning & Definition of word "Whisker"
Whisker
/ˈwɪskər/
noun:
- 1. 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.
- Example: The cat's whiskers twitched as it watched the bird outside the window.
- 2. A similar hair or projection on the face of some other animals.
- Example: The rabbit groomed its whiskers with its paw.
- 3. A small amount or distance; a hint.
- Example: He won the race by a whisker, crossing the finish line just before his opponent.
verb:
- 1. To move or stir quickly; to whisk.
- Example: She whiskered the eggs in the bowl until they were frothy.
Etymology
●From Middle English 'whisker', probably from 'whisk' + agent suffix '-er'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
a whisker away:
Very close to something.
by a whisker:
By a very small margin.
whisker of a chance:
A very slim chance.
Related Words
mustache:
Facial hair grown above the upper lip.
beard:
Facial hair that grows on the chin and cheeks.
bristle:
A stiff hair or fiber.
Slang Meanings of whisker
Meaning: Narrow escape or close call.
● Example Sentence: He missed his flight by a whisker.
Meaning: A small difference.
● Example Sentence: The budget is just a whisker over the limit.