bristle meaning and definition

BRISTLE noun

Definition of bristle (noun)

1. a stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament); natural or synthetic
2. a stiff hair

BRISTLE verb

Definition of bristle (verb)

1. be in a state of movement or action
   • "The room abounded with screaming children"; "The garden bristled with toddlers"
   • synonyms: abound, burst
2. rise up as in fear
   • "The dog's fur bristled"; "It was a sight to make one's hair uprise!"
   • synonyms: stand up, uprise
3. have or be thickly covered with or as if with bristles
   • "bristling leaves"
4. react in an offended or angry manner
   • "He bristled at her suggestion that he should teach her how to use the program"