stubbly

Stubbly is an informal adjective meaning covered with short, stiff hairs or having a rough, prickly texture. Its most familiar use is for a beard, chin, or face: a stubbly beard is one made up of short hairs rather than a fully grown beard. The word can also describe surfaces that feel coarse or irritate the skin, such as stubbly fabric. It is more conversational and vivid than a neutral phrase such as “covered with short hairs,” and it often conveys an informal, everyday impression rather than a careful or polished description. Although it is sometimes used humorously to suggest someone appears only partly shaved, its basic meaning is straightforward and physical.

Covered with short, stiff hairs, especially facial hair; also describes a rough or prickly texture.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does stubbly come from?

Stubbly is formed from the noun stubble by adding the adjective-forming suffix -y. Stubble itself refers to short, stiff hairs, especially those left after shaving, and belongs to an older family of English forms based on the idea of a short projecting stump or stem. The adjective is therefore a descriptive formation that turns the familiar noun into a word for a beard or texture characterized by short hairs.

How stubbly is actually used

Informal and chiefly descriptive; it is common in speech and contemporary writing, especially when referring to a beard or chin. It can also describe a surface that feels rough or prickly.

Easily confused with stubbly

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Words and phrases paired with stubbly

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Rhymes with stubbly