stubble

American  

[stuhb-uhl] / ˈstʌb əl /

noun

1. Usually stubbles. the stumps of grain and other stalks left in the ground when the crop is cut.

2. such stumps collectively.

3. any short, rough growth, as of beard.

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stubble British  

/ ˈstʌbəl /

noun

1. 1. the stubs of stalks left in a field where a crop has been cut and harvested

   2. ( as modifier )

      a stubble field

2. any bristly growth or surface

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Other Word Forms

• stubbled adjective
• stubbly adjective
• unstubbled adjective

Etymology

Origin of stubble

1250–1300; Middle English stuble < Old French estuble < Vulgar Latin *stupula, Latin stipula stipule

Example Sentences

And there’s stubble on his cheeks, like he can’t find the energy to shave.

From Literature

He stifled a yawn and rubbed at the gray stubble on his chin.

From Literature

He had dark stubble, a gold earring in each ear, and a burn mark on the left side of his neck.

From Literature

The tribunal was told that in the changing room Rose was "seen wearing boxer shorts" and "bearing stubble".

From BBC

Years of efforts to tackle the problem, including work-from-home policies and rules on crop stubble burning, have done little to alleviate the issue.

From Barron's