What does hirsute mean?
Hirsute is an adjective meaning covered with hair, especially hair that is coarse, shaggy, or bristly. It is more vivid and slightly unusual than the ordinary word hairy, and it can describe people, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. In literary or humorous contexts, “hirsute” may suggest a rugged, unkempt, or vigorously hairy appearance rather than simply the presence of body hair. The word comes from Latin hirsutus, a form related to hirrus, an old Latin word associated with hair or a hairy surface. Because it is formal and distinctive, hirsute is especially useful when the writer wants to emphasize conspicuous hairiness or create a memorable, mildly comic effect. It is understood in both British and American English, though it remains less common in everyday speech than hairy or shaggy.
adjectiveCovered with hair, especially coarse or shaggy hair. Often used to describe a person, animal, or object with an unusually hairy or rugged appearance.
- Covered or thick with hair, especially coarse, shaggy, or bristly hair.
"The professor's hirsute beard gave him the air of a venerable naturalist."
"A hirsute creature emerged cautiously from the undergrowth."
"The critic wrote an affectionate, hirsute portrait of the old farmhouse."
Hirsute comes from the Latin hirsutus, meaning hairy: a word with a suspiciously hairy history.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hirsute come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from Latin hirsutus, meaning “hairy” or “shaggy.” Latin hirsutus was derived from hirrus, an old term associated with hair, a hairy person, or a bristly surface. The modern English adjective preserves the Latin sense of being covered with conspicuous or coarse hair.
Related word forms
How hirsute is actually used
This is a formal or literary word with a slightly humorous or exaggerated tone. It is more emphatic than simply saying hairy and can suggest an unkempt, vigorous, or animal-like appearance. Its meaning is not restricted to humans and is often applied to animals, plants, and objects.
Easily confused with hirsute
Hirsute means hairy or shaggy, whereas hurtle means to move with great speed.