whisker

Everyday

1. One of the long stiff hairs that grow near the mouth of a cat, a mouse, a seal and many other animals, used to feel things. tree →
2. (whiskers) Hair growing on a man's face. tree →
3. (informal) A very small amount or distance: "by a whisker" means only just. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, whiskers help animals such as cats feel their way in the dark and judge if they can fit through a gap. In sport and everyday talk, "won by a whisker" means won by a tiny amount. Phrases: "by a whisker", "within a whisker of", "the cat's whiskers" (old-fashioned: the very best).

Examples

• The cat's whiskers twitched as it smelled the fish. tree →
• Whiskers help a cat feel its way in the dark. tree →
• We won the race by a whisker. tree →
• She came within a whisker of beating the record. tree →
• Grandpa had grey whiskers on his chin. tree →
• The mouse cleaned its whiskers with its paws. tree →
• Seals use their whiskers to find fish in murky water. tree →
• In a moment not a tail or a whisker was to be seen. tree →

Note

Countable: a whisker, whiskers. "Whiskered" means having whiskers. Do not confuse with "whisky" (an alcoholic drink) or "whisk" (a kitchen tool). Never cut a cat's whiskers; it needs them.