Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
whiskers
noun
/ˈwɪskərz/
Definition
Long, hair-like structures that grow from the face of certain animals, primarily mammals, and are used for sensory perception.
Examples
- The cat’s whiskers twitched as it approached the mouse.
- Rabbits use their whiskers to detect nearby objects and navigate in the dark.
- In the wild, a whiskered seal gets its name from the long whiskers on its snout.
Meaning
Whiskers are specially adapted sensory hairs that help animals navigate their environment by sensing touch and vibrations.
Synonyms
- bristles
- vibrissae
- feelers
