What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whisker
Example
He stroked his whiskers thoughtfully. [whiskers: noun]
Example
The cat's whiskers twitched as it watched the bird outside. [whiskers: plural noun]
Example
She used a whisker to stir the ingredients together. [whisker: singular noun]
beard
Example
He grew a beard during quarantine. [beard: noun]
Example
The lion's mane was made up of thick, golden-colored hair. [beard: noun]
Example
He was the butt of everyone's jokes, the beard of the group. [beard: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beard is a more common term than whisker in everyday language, especially when referring to human facial hair. Whisker is more commonly used in the context of animal anatomy or as a metaphorical reference to something small and thin.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whisker and beard?
Both whisker and beard can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the situation and tone of the conversation. However, beard may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with professionalism and maturity.