goatee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Standard
Quick answer
What does “goatee” mean?
A style of facial hair consisting of hair grown only on the chin, resembling the beard of a male goat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of facial hair consisting of hair grown only on the chin, resembling the beard of a male goat.
Any small, often pointed beard on a man's chin, whether meticulously styled or unkempt. Can also refer to the chin beard of certain animal breeds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. In the UK, associated historically with older men or certain subcultures (e.g., folk musicians). In the US, it has had stronger associations with counter-culture (e.g., beatniks) and later with 90s 'alternative' style.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can connote individuality, a lack of conformity, or sometimes a deliberate artistic or intellectual style. Can be seen as slightly old-fashioned or trendy depending on cyclical fashion.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in US media in late 20th century due to pop culture figures.
Grammar
How to Use “goatee” in a Sentence
He {grew/sported/trimmed} a goatee.The goatee {suits/complements} his face shape.He shaved off his goatee.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goatee” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's decided to goatee it for Movember.
- He's been goateeing for years now.
American English
- He goateed his look for the role.
- I might goatee this winter.
adjective
British English
- He had a goateed look that was quite distinctive.
- The goatee style is coming back.
American English
- He's the goateed guy in the marketing department.
- A goatee beard is his trademark.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in descriptions of appearance. 'The new consultant is the tall man with the goatee.'
Academic
Rare, used primarily in historical, sociological, or cultural studies discussing fashion and identity.
Everyday
Common for describing a person's appearance. 'My dad decided to grow a goatee over the summer.'
Technical
Used in barbering/hairstyling contexts as a specific style name.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goatee”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goatee”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goatee”
- Misspelling as 'goaty' or 'gote'.
- Using it to refer to any small beard (e.g., on the cheeks).
- Pronouncing it /ˈɡoʊti/ (two syllables) instead of /ˌɡoʊˈtiː/ (three syllables with stress on last).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A goatee is hair only on the chin. A Van Dyke is a specific style that combines a goatee with a moustache, where the two are not connected by hair on the sides of the mouth.
It is a standard, neutral word, but its primary use is in everyday or descriptive contexts. It is not highly formal; in very formal writing, 'chin beard' might be used, though it is less common.
Technically, no. By strict definition, a goatee is just on the chin. However, in common usage, people often refer to 'a goatee and moustache' or use 'goatee' loosely for the combination. The precise term for the combination is a 'Van Dyke' or 'circle beard' if connected.
No, it is a descriptive, neutral term. However, like any description of appearance, tone and context matter. It is not inherently derogatory.
A style of facial hair consisting of hair grown only on the chin, resembling the beard of a male goat.
Goatee: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊˈtiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊˈtiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word 'goatee'. The phrase 'goatee and glasses' is sometimes used as a stereotypical descriptor for an intellectual or hipster.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GOAT + EE. A GOAT has a beard on its chin, and a person with a 'goatee' has a beard like a GOAT's. The 'ee' ending makes it a noun for the thing (like 'employ' -> 'employee').
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN IS ANIMAL (The beard is likened to the tuft on a goat's chin, suggesting a visual and characteristic similarity).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'goatee'?