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Stubble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿง”
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stubble

[หˆstสŒbษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a man's face

Short hairs that have just started growing on a man's face after he has shaved

Synonyms

beard stubble, facial hair.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stubble

Typically refers to very short facial hair that appears when a man hasnโ€™t shaved for a few days. Commonly seen as a casual or rugged look.

  • John decided to keep his stubble for the weekend to try a more relaxed look.
  • After three days without shaving, Mark's face had a noticeable stubble.
beard stubble

Specifically highlights the initial stages of a beard, giving a casual impression, often before it develops into a full beard.

  • Heโ€™s growing his beard stubble out for the No-Shave November event.
  • Even with just beard stubble, he already looked different.
facial hair

A general term that includes all types of hair growing on the face, such as beards, mustaches, or sideburns. It can be used in both casual and formal conversations.

  • Different styles of facial hair have become popular among young men.
  • He preferred clean-shaving, but lately, heโ€™s been experimenting with facial hair.

Examples of usage

  • The man's stubble was starting to show after a few days without shaving
  • She liked the feel of his stubble against her cheek
Context #2 | Noun

on a field

Short, stiff stalks of grain or hay left on a field after harvesting

Synonyms

crop residue, straw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stubble

Refers to the short, stiff stalks of grain or hay remaining in a field after the main harvest has been done. It often gives a rugged look to the field.

  • After the wheat was harvested, the stubble was left in the field.
  • Walking through the stubble is quite tough because of its shadiness.
crop residue

General term for the leaves, stalks, and roots left in the field after harvesting any crop. It is often used in agricultural and ecological contexts to discuss soil health and composting.

  • Farmers ploughed the crop residue back into the soil to improve its fertility.
  • The study focused on how crop residue affects soil moisture content.
straw

Dry stalks of cereal plants like wheat and barley, often used for animal bedding, mulching plants, or even in construction for thatched roofs. Unlike stubble, straw is often collected and utilized separately from the field.

  • The barn was filled with bales of straw for the animals.
  • Gardeners often use straw as mulch to keep the soil moist.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer left the stubble on the field to protect the soil
  • The sheep grazed on the stubble in the field
Context #3 | Verb

related to farming

To leave stubble on a field after harvesting

Synonyms

leave residue, not plow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stubble

Use this word when referring to short, coarse hair that remains after shaving or the remains of plants in a field after the crop has been harvested.

  • He had a day's worth of stubble on his face.
  • The field was covered in stubble after the harvest.
leave residue

Use this phrase when talking about the small amount of something that remains after the main part has been taken or used. This phrase is often used in scientific or cleaning contexts.

  • The cleaner left residue on the surface.
  • The chemical reaction leaves a residue that needs to be removed.
not plow

Use this phrase when discussing agricultural practices where the soil is not turned over, often to prevent soil erosion or to retain moisture.

  • Farmers sometimes choose to not plow the land to conserve water.
  • By deciding to not plow, they are helping to sustain the environment.

Examples of usage

  • The farmers decided to stubble the field this year
  • Stubble the field to protect the soil

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'stubble' originated from the Old English word 'stybbele', which meant 'stumps or stubs of plants'.
  • In farming, stubble refers to the leftover stalks of crops after harvesting, emphasizing the connection between agriculture and facial hair.
  • The word has been used since the 14th century, reflecting both agricultural practices and personal grooming.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a well-groomed face is seen as a sign of professionalism, whereas stubble can suggest a more relaxed or 'rugged' appearance.
  • Stubble became trendy in the 1990s, associated with a more casual or 'hipster' fashion style, shifting perceptions of masculinity.
  • Some films and television shows have used characters with stubble to symbolize rebellion or anti-establishment attitudes.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that facial hair, including stubble, impacts first impressions and perceptions of attractiveness.
  • Research indicates that the presence of stubble can enhance perceived masculinity, confidence, and even dominance in social situations.
  • People often associate facial hair with maturity, as it signifies adulthood and can affect how others interact with the individual.

Science

  • Facial hair growth is influenced by hormones, particularly testosterone, which increases hair density and growth rate.
  • Each hair follicle undergoes cycles of growth and shedding, meaning stubble can be a sign of daily biological rhythms.
  • The average man can expect to grow about half an inch of facial hair per month, making stubble a common occurrence.

Fashion Trends

  • The popularity of stubble has led to the creation of various grooming products specifically designed for maintaining it, such as trimmers and beard oils.
  • Barbershops have adapted their services to include 'stubble fades,' where the hair is blended into the beard for a polished look.
  • Fashion magazines often showcase stubble on male models as a trendy alternative to clean-shaven faces.

Origin of 'stubble'

The word 'stubble' originated from the Old English word 'stybb', meaning 'stump of a tree'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the short hairs on a man's face after shaving, as well as the short stalks of grain or hay left on a field after harvesting. The term has been used in agriculture and grooming practices for centuries, highlighting the importance of managing crop residues and facial hair growth.

See also: stub.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,883, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.