grizzle

¹

[ griz-uhl ]

verb (used with or without object)

, griz·zled, griz·zling.

1. to make or become gray or partly gray.

adjective

1. gray; grayish; devoid of hue.

noun

1. gray or partly gray hair.
2. a gray wig.

grizzle

²

[ griz-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, British.

, griz·zled, griz·zling.

1. to complain; whimper; whine.
2. to laugh or grin in mockery; sneer.

grizzle

¹

/ ˈɡrɪzəl /

verb

1. (esp of a child) to fret; whine
2. to sulk or grumble

grizzle

²

/ ˈɡrɪzəl /

verb

1. to make or become grey

noun

1. a grey colour
2. grey or partly grey hair
3. a grey wig

Derived Forms

• ˈgrizzler, noun

Other Words From

• grizzler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grizzle¹

1350–1400; Middle English grisel < Old French, derivative of gris gray < Germanic; griseous

Origin of grizzle²

1740–50; origin uncertain; compare Middle High German grisgramen to gnash one's teeth, German Griesgram sourpuss

Word History and Origins

Origin of grizzle¹

C18: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German grist-grimmōn gnashing of teeth, German Griesgram unpleasant person

Origin of grizzle²

C15: from Old French grisel, from gris, of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German grīs grey

Example Sentences

A grizzled man singing into a microphone, his feet sandy and splayed.

From Los Angeles Times

A grizzled Gibson is always a compelling screen presence; the late, great Liotta is appropriately terrifying too.

From Los Angeles Times

Although there is not much consensus among the panelists, the current frontrunner is Jodie Foster, who portrays the grizzled police chief investigating the disappearance of a group of scientists in “True Detective: Night Country.”

From Los Angeles Times

There’s even the odd love song, in which Williams’ grizzled voice shades in the heartbreak with wearied affection.

From Los Angeles Times

On Wednesday night, they looked like grizzled playoff veterans.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bleach