hairbreadth

[ hair-bredth, -bretth ]

noun

1. hairsbreadth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hairbreadth¹

1400–50; late Middle English heere brede; hair, breadth

Example Sentences

In a theater dependent on exaggerated storylines — hairbreadth escapes, implausible coincidences and either conclusively happy or disastrous endings — how can the momentousness of ordinary life be captured?

From Los Angeles Times

We all finished, and within a hairbreadth of our goal times.

From Washington Post

That mad quest for immortality is only one thread in an intricate narrative that encompasses witchcraft, impossible transformations, hairbreadth escapes, killer clowns and an assortment of innovative murders.

From Washington Post

It is the only open seat now in Republican hands in a state that Mr. Biden carried, and Democrats see it as their best opportunity to expand their hairbreadth control of the Senate, where the 50-50 partisan split leaves Vice President Kamala Harris to cast deciding votes.

From New York Times

Achren Unsheathed Gwydion’s sword; holding it in both hands she drove the point toward his throat, stopping only a hairbreadth from it.

From Literature