What does hair mean?
Hair is the fine, flexible material that grows from the skin, most noticeably on the head. In everyday use, the word commonly refers to a person's entire hairstyle or covering, as in washing or cutting one's hair, but it can also denote an individual strand, a tuft, or a similar filament on an animal or object. Human hair and animal fur are chiefly composed of keratin, a protein that gives them strength while keeping them relatively light. Hair can be straight, wavy, or tightly curled, and its appearance may reflect inherited traits, grooming, age, health, or cultural styling. Because hair is closely associated with identity, appearance, and personal history, the word often carries social and emotional associations beyond its basic physical meaning. In a verb form, hair is informal and refers to arranging or grooming someone's hair, especially before an event.
The fine, threadlike material growing from the skin, especially on the head; also, a single strand or tuft of this material.
"Her hair fell in dark waves around her shoulders."
Usually a mass noun when referring to an overall covering; plural hairs refers to individual strands or separate tufts.
To brush, groom, or arrange the hair of someone, especially as a grooming or styling activity.
"She was hairing the horse before the show."
Informal; more common in contexts involving careful grooming or preparation for an appearance.
Usually used for individual strands or separate tufts rather than for a person's overall head of hair.
"She examined the individual hairs under the microscope."
Hair is a biological fiber made mostly of keratin, combining remarkable strength with a remarkably light weight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hair come from?
The word comes from Old English hær, meaning the hair of the head or body. Old English hær continued into Middle English and developed into the modern English form hair, while related Germanic forms include German Haar, Dutch haar, and Swedish hår. These words belong to a common Germanic root referring to hair or a head covering.
Related word forms
How hair is actually used
Hair is normally used as a mass noun for a person's overall hair or an animal's coat. The plural hairs is used for individual strands or separate tufts. As a verb, hair is informal and means to brush, groom, or arrange someone's hair.
Easily confused with hair
Hair is a fibrous covering or strand, whereas a hare is a fast-running mammal.