whisker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, occasionally informal in metaphorical use.
Quick answer
What does “whisker” mean?
A long, stiff hair growing near the mouth or on the face of an animal, especially a mammal like a cat or mouse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, stiff hair growing near the mouth or on the face of an animal, especially a mammal like a cat or mouse.
Refers to a single hair of this type; also metaphorically to a very small distance or narrow margin (e.g., "within a whisker of"). Can also refer to the projecting hairs or bristles of some insects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The metaphorical use ('within a whisker') is slightly more common in British English. The verb form (to whisker) is rare and not region-specific.
Connotations
Evokes images of cats, rodents, seals. Connotes sensitivity, precision, or a close shave in metaphorical use.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both variants, largely tied to animal descriptions and the common idiom.
Grammar
How to Use “whisker” in a Sentence
[be] within a whisker of [noun/gerund][subject] has/grows/twitches [possessive] whiskersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whisker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The technician will whisker the semiconductor substrate. (rare/technical)
American English
- The process can whisker the metal contacts over time. (rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The whisker-thin margin of victory shocked everyone. (compounded)
American English
- They achieved a whisker-thin lead in the polls. (compounded)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could appear metaphorically: 'The deal was within a whisker of completion.'
Academic
Used in biology/zoology texts describing mammalian anatomy.
Everyday
Common when describing pets or wild animals. The metaphorical phrase is used conversationally.
Technical
Specific term in zoology (vibrissa). Also in materials science ('whisker' for a thin crystalline filament).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whisker”
- Using 'whisker' as a verb commonly (it's very rare). Using singular for the full set (usually 'whiskers'). Confusing 'within a whisker' with 'within an inch'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not typically. For coarse hairs in a human moustache or beard, 'bristle' might be used. 'Whisker' is specific to animals.
It means 'extremely close to,' emphasising a very small distance or margin, similar to 'within a hair's breadth.'
Fur is the soft, thick hair covering an animal's body. Whiskers are the specialised, longer, stiffer hairs located specifically on the face, used for sensory purposes.
It is extremely rare as a verb. Its main use is as a noun. In very technical contexts (e.g., metallurgy), it can mean to form fine crystalline filaments.
A long, stiff hair growing near the mouth or on the face of an animal, especially a mammal like a cat or mouse.
Whisker is usually neutral, occasionally informal in metaphorical use. in register.
Whisker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɪskə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɪskər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “within a whisker of (something)”
- “the cat's whiskers (old-fashioned, meaning excellent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cat WHISKing its WHISKERS through tall grass to sense its surroundings.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINNESS / SMALL MARGIN IS A WHISKER (e.g., 'a whisker away from winning').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, non-metaphorical meaning of 'whisker'?