WordGarden.iofuzzy
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈʌzi/
US
- /ˈfəzi/
Meanings
Adjective
covered with soft hair, fibers, or down
blurred or indistinct in appearance, sound, or detail
vague, confused, or hard to think about clearly
More meaningsFewer meanings
using approximate or graded categories rather than exact boundaries
pleasantly warm, comforting, or sentimental
Beyond the definition
"Fuzzy" can describe something soft and covered in fine hairs, like a peach or a kitten. But it also means unclear or not easy to see or understand. A fuzzy memory is hard to recall clearly, and a fuzzy explanation leaves you with more questions than answers. Think of an old television signal: when it's fuzzy, the picture is not sharp.
You might describe a warm sweater as "fuzzy" because of its soft texture. Or you could say your memory of last Tuesday is "a bit fuzzy," meaning you do not remember all the details. Sometimes, "fuzzy" can even describe a feeling, like a fuzzy head after a long day.
The word "fuzzy" can describe both physical softness and a lack of clear detail. In the most literal sense, it refers to something covered in fine, soft hairs or fibers, like the skin of a peach, the coat of a baby lamb, or a well-loved sweater. It often gives a feeling of comfort and warmth: "The fuzzy blanket kept her warm on the cold night."
However, "fuzzy" also describes things that are unclear, inexact, or lacking detail. A "fuzzy" photograph is out of focus, a "fuzzy" idea is not fully formed, and a "fuzzy" memory is hard to recall accurately. "The details of the accident were fuzzy in his mind." This meaning comes from the idea of something being blurred or not sharply defined.
Beyond physical descriptions and mental clarity, "fuzzy" can also describe feelings or sensations. You might have a "fuzzy head" after waking up, meaning you feel groggy or confused. In computer science, "fuzzy logic" describes a system that works with approximate reasoning rather than fixed, exact rules.
So whether you're describing the texture of something soft, the clarity of your thoughts, or a general feeling of vagueness, "fuzzy" suggests softness, blur, and a lack of sharp edges or exact detail.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
She pulled on a fuzzy sweater before going outside.
- 2
Animal fur
Our new puppy has fuzzy ears and a tiny black nose.
- 3
Photo quality
The photo came out fuzzy because my hands were shaking.
- 4
Physical reaction
After taking the medicine, I felt a little fuzzy and went back to bed.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Uncertainty
I'm still fuzzy on the details, but I know we agreed to meet later.
- Patternfuzzy on + details/topic
not clear or not sure about it
- 6
Unclear instructions
The instructions were so fuzzy that nobody knew what to do next.
- 7
Affectionate feeling
The ending is predictable, but it still gives you warm, fuzzy feelings.
- Phrasewarm, fuzzy feelings
gentle, happy, affectionate feelings
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fuzzyadjective
Forms
- fuzziercomparativeadjective
- fuzziestsuperlativeadjective