bristle
noun
one of the short, stiff, coarse hairs of certain animals, especially hogs, used extensively in making brushes.
bristling
-
present participleof bristle.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I don’t know what a ‘John Turturro type’ is,” he says, bristling slightly at the suggestion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
Economic headwinds have reduced tourism to Las Vegas after a postpandemic boom, with consumers now bristling over higher starting bids at table games and increased prices for beverages and poolside cabanas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 2, 2026
But in terms of its actual content, the statement was pretty thin gruel, bristling with public relations-style circumlocution and vagueness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 27, 2026
Or Santos bristling at her new boss’s insistence on clearing her charting backlog while tending cranky patients.
From Salon ● Jan. 8, 2026
Lyra could feel Pantalaimon bristling with anxiety, though he made no sound.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
