Hair: meaning, definitions and examples

Although spelled the same, context can imply different meanings, such as animal fur.

• The cat's hair was all over the sofa.
• He brushed the dog's hair.

Often used in a more poetic or literary sense to refer to someone's hair. It can imply well-kept, beautiful hair.

• She has golden locks that shine in the sunlight.
• His dark locks were tousled from sleep.

Mostly used in poetic or old-fashioned contexts. It describes long, flowing hair and often has an elegant, luxurious connotation.

• The princess brushed her long tresses every night.
• Her tresses cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves.

This term is typically used to describe individual hairs or small amounts of hair, either in a descriptive sense or when discussing hair care.

• She noticed a few gray strands in her hair.
• He pulled a strand of hair from his face.

Used when referring to the thin, thread-like strands that grow from the skin of humans and animals.

• She has long, curly hair.
• There was a strand of hair on his shirt.

Used to refer to a small piece or amount of something. Generally, this word is very versatile and can be used in casual conversations.

• Can I have a bit of that chocolate?
• She didn’t seem to mind one bit.

Used in scientific or formal contexts to refer to extremely small, often indivisible components of matter.

• The scientist examined a particle of dust under the microscope.
• They are studying the behavior of subatomic particles.

Used to describe a very small amount of something that is still detectable. Can be used in both formal and informal settings, often implying something almost imperceptible.

• The detective found a trace of blood at the crime scene.
• There was a trace of smile on her lips.

Refers to the strands that grow on the head and body of humans and animals. It is the most commonly used term.

• She brushed her hair every morning.
• The cat has soft, fluffy hair.

Refers to a very thin, thread-like structure, often used in scientific or technical contexts, such as light bulbs, plants, or 3D printing.

• The light bulb burnt out due to a broken filament.
• The spider spun a delicate filament of silk.

Used for strands of material, both natural and synthetic, which can be woven into textiles. Also used to describe dietary elements.

• The shirt is made of natural fibers.
• Eating fiber-rich foods helps with digestion.

Describes short, stiff hairs found on brushes or on some animals like pigs. Can also describe the sensation of hair standing up due to fear or anger.

• The toothbrush has nylon bristles.
• The bristle on the dog's back stood up when it sensed danger.