Pronunciation

/heər/

Definitions

• Noun: Any of the fine, threadlike structures that grow from the skin of humans and animals, especially from the scalp of humans. For example: “She has long, curly hair.”
• Noun (plural form - hairs): A single strand or fiber of such material. For example: “There’s a hair in my soup.”
• Noun (in a broader sense): A similar filamentous growth on other parts of the body, like eyelashes, eyebrows, or animal fur. For example: “The cat’s sleek black hair glistened in the sun.”
• Noun (figurative): A very small amount or degree; a minute quantity. For example: “We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’re at least a hair closer.”

Phrases

• “Let your hair down” means to relax and behave informally after a period of formality or restraint.
• “A bad hair day” refers to a day when one’s hair is particularly unmanageable or untidy, often used metaphorically to describe a day where everything seems to go wrong.
• “Split hairs” means to argue about insignificant details or make unnecessary distinctions.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She decided to dye her hair a vibrant red.”
• Noun (plural form): “The forensic team found a few hairs at the crime scene.”
• Figurative use: “I was only a hair faster than my opponent in the race.”

Synonyms

• Mane (for long hair on animals)
• Fleece (for woolly hair on sheep)
• Fur (for animal covering)
• Tresses (referring to long, flowing hair)
• Locks (another term for long hair)

Adjective Usage

• Hairy: Covered with or having a lot of hair. Example: “His chest was hairy.”

Verb Usage (Hair)

Although less common, ‘hair’ can also be used as a verb meaning to furnish or cover with hair. Example: “Age has haired his chin with a white stubble.”