bristle
noun
one of the short, stiff, coarse hairs of certain animals, especially hogs, used extensively in making brushes.
had bristled
-
past perfectof bristle.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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 understood why Ilana resented the assignment—I too had bristled when my parents insisted I read.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 19, 2025
DirecTV executives had bristled over Newsmax’s censorship claims, noting the previous agreement expired in January, and DirecTV lacked legal authorization to continue to broadcast the channel.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 22, 2023
McGhee had bristled with indignation in his pre-match interview when it was put to him that some Dundee fans are underwhelmed by his appointment.
From BBC ● Feb. 20, 2022
M.L.B. had bristled at repeated criticism from lawmakers.
From New York Times ● May 12, 2020
The men, apparently laying aside all suspicion, were entertaining; their adventurous lives had bristled with exciting, moving, humorous experience.
From Snow-Blind by Katharine Newlin Burt
