Bristly/ˈbrɪsli/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Texture Imagery Use 'bristly' to describe things that feel rough like a scrubbing brush. She wore a bristly sweater that itched her skin. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Negative 'Bristly' isn't always bad; it can describe a well-groomed, stiff beard. His bristly beard gave him a distinguished look. Pro Tip 3/3Physical Description 'Bristly' often refers to a person's hair or an animal's coat. The puppy's bristly fur needed regular grooming.