frizz

¹

Or friz

[friz]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to form into small, crisp curls or little tufts.

noun

1. the state of being frizzed.

2. something frizzed; frizzed hair.

frizz

²

[friz]

verb (used with or without object)

1. frizzle.

frizz

/ frɪz /

verb

1. (of the hair, nap, etc) to form or cause (the hair, etc) to form tight wiry curls or crisp tufts

noun

1. hair that has been frizzed

2. the state of being frizzed

Other Word Forms

• frizzer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frizz¹

First recorded in 1650–60; back formation from frizzle ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of frizz¹

C19: from French friser to curl, shrivel up (see _frisette ): influenced by _frizzle ¹

Example Sentences

We found the two apes, with their telltale ginger frizz and bulbous bellies, grazing in the canopy.

Read more on National Geographic

My frizz had shrunk at least two inches, thanks to the humid air.

Read more on Literature

And even those without naturally curly hair might notice their hair curling – or, let’s be honest, frizzing – a bit on humid summer days.

Read more on Scientific American

This is the only restaurant I know that crowns it with a frizz of fried dried shredded flank steak and fills it with corn cream, a discovery made when fork strikes core.

Read more on Washington Post

McIntosh cited footage she found of women at a long hair competition and an image of Miss Philadelphia 1924, her hair a mess of frizz around her face before falling into long ringlets.

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• buckle 
• coil 
• contort 
• curve 
• fold 
• twirl 
• twist 
• writhe