1. a short, stiff hair or fiber

1. to show anger or irritation
2. to stand up stiffly like bristles

Examples

• The paintbrush had natural bristles made from pig hair.
• His beard bristles were rough against her cheek.
• She bristled at the unfair criticism of her work.
• The cat’s fur bristled when it saw the dog.
• The old man bristled with indignation at the suggestion.
• Porcupine quills bristled from its back.
• He bristled whenever someone questioned his authority.