Definition

A small mass of hair that forms in the stomach or intestines of an animal, especially a cat, when it swallows hair while grooming itself.

Example

My cat often coughs up a hairball after grooming.

Conversation

Did you see that hairball my cat left in the living room?

Yeah, I stepped right in it!

It's so gross, but I guess that's what happens with long-haired cats.

True! I should probably help you clean it up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hairball → The word is formed from "hair" (from Old English "hær", meaning the fine strands growing from the skin of humans and animals) and "ball" (from Old English "beall", meaning a round object). A hairball refers to a round mass of hair that has been ingested and formed in the stomach, typically seen in cats.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hair' as the fine strands that can form a 'ball' when ingested, which helps you remember that a hairball is a round mass of hair.

Visually Confused Words