Whiskers: meaning, definitions and examples
๐บ
whiskers
[ หwษชskษrz ]
on a cat
Whiskers are the long, sensitive hairs that grow near the mouth and nose of a cat. They are used to help the cat judge distances and navigate in the dark.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| whiskers |
Informal and commonly used word. Often mentioned when talking about the facial hair of cats or other animals with a similar feature.
|
| vibrissae |
Scientific term primarily used in zoology or veterinary contexts, referring to the sensory hair on the face of animals. It's less common in daily conversation.
|
Examples of usage
- Her cat's whiskers twitched as it sniffed the air.
- The kitten's whiskers brushed against my hand as it nuzzled closer.
on a person
Whiskers are facial hair that grows on a person's cheeks and chin, typically referring to a short, stubbly growth.
Synonyms
beard stubble, facial hair.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| whiskers |
Commonly used to describe the long, stiff hairs on the face of animals, especially cats, rats, and other mammals. Can also be used humorously to refer to mustaches in humans.
|
| facial hair |
A general term that encompasses all types of hair growth on the human face, including the beard, mustache, and sideburns.
|
Examples of usage
- He sported a trendy beard with stylish whiskers on his cheeks.
- She ran her fingers over his rough whiskers, feeling the stubble.
Translations
Translations of the word "whiskers" in other languages:
๐ต๐น bigodes
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคเคเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Schnurrhaare
๐ฎ๐ฉ kumis
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒััะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ wฤ sy
๐ฏ๐ต ใฒใ
๐ซ๐ท moustaches
๐ช๐ธ bigotes
๐น๐ท bฤฑyฤฑklar
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดูุงุฑุจ
๐จ๐ฟ vousy
๐ธ๐ฐ fรบzy
๐จ๐ณ ่ก้กป
๐ธ๐ฎ brki
๐ฎ๐ธ skegg
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผาฑัั
๐ฌ๐ช แฃแแแแจแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ bฤฑฤ
๐ฒ๐ฝ bigotes
Etymology
The word 'whisker' originated from the Middle English word 'whisker' or 'wisker', meaning a beard or mustache. Over time, it evolved to refer to the sensory hairs found on animals like cats. The use of 'whiskers' to describe facial hair on humans came about in the early 17th century. Today, 'whiskers' can evoke images of both feline elegance and rugged masculinity.