# shaggy

/ˈʃæɡi/ (US) · /ʃˈæɡi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shaggy
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

having long, thick, and messy hair or fur. It describes something that looks a bit wild and unbrushed.

For teachers: covered with or consisting of long, thick, and unkempt hair, fur, or wool. Often used to describe animals or textiles with a coarse, uneven texture.

## Examples

- The shaggy dog needs a haircut.
- After weeks in the wilderness, the hiker returned with a shaggy beard and tangled hair.
- The living room was decorated in a retro style, featuring a bright orange shaggy rug that felt soft but looked intentionally messy.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'look' or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.