Bristle/ˈbrɪsl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Texture Indicator Used to describe hair or fibers that are hard and not easy to bend. Heavy-duty cleaning brushes often have stiff bristles. Pro Tip 2/3Animal Description Often used when discussing the coat or mane of certain animals. The worn-out horse's mane was full of gray bristles. Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery Creates a clear picture of roughness or ruggedness in objects or textures. His beard looked like a mass of dark bristles after not shaving.