goatee
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of goatee
1835–45, goat (from its resemblance to a goat's tufted chin) + -ee, probably as spelling variant of -y 2, -ie, though stressed as if formed with -ee
Explanation
A goatee is a narrow beard. If your uncle shaves his cheeks and the sides of his chin, leaving just a strip of hair under his mouth, you can compliment him on his goatee. Some facial hair purists say that it's only a goatee if there's no mustache involved — the combination of a narrow beard and mustache can also be called a "Van Dyke." Others are fine with describing any beard that doesn't extend fully across the face from ear to ear as a goatee. This term comes from the tufted beards that many goats have, and it was originally known as a goaty.
Vocabulary lists containing goatee
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Measuring Up
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
A giant of a man with greying goatee and military tattoos on the skin not covered by his army fatigues and body armour.
From BBC • Sep. 2, 2024
Barrel-chested and with a neatly trimmed goatee, Beyer is in his late 50s but looks younger.
From Salon • May 22, 2024
A woman in a pink shirt and a man with a blond goatee stood and shouted “point of order” and “point of privilege” repeatedly.
From Slate • May 6, 2024
“The goatee was sharp … just a little too sharp,” the CHP wrote of the dummy.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2024
The man with the goatee just laughed and patted the fat belly of one of the stone figures.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
