Stubbled

The adjective 'stubbled' describes a surface covered with short, stiff bristles, resembling the prickly growth of a beard that has just begun to grow or been recently shaved. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a terrain or texture with rough, uneven projections. The word evokes a sense of roughness, rawness, and a lack of smoothness, suggesting a somewhat unkempt or unfinished appearance. The stubbled texture can be physical, like a man's face, or figurative, hinting at an element of resistance or challenge, as in the uneven ground.

Stubbled meaning with examples

• He ran his hand across his jaw, feeling the stubbled texture of his overnight growth. He hadn't shaved for a day, and the slight prickliness felt familiar as he contemplated the events of the day. The gritty sensation reminded him of the urgency to get to work. The stubbled look added an air of both casualness and grit.
• The vast field, freshly harvested, was left with a stubbled surface of golden wheat stalks. The farmer surveyed his fields after harvest, considering the ground. The remaining stalks stood, creating a textured landscape. Birds enjoyed the shelter as they foraged for seeds. This stubbled field would soon undergo cultivation once again.
• After the crash, the wall had a stubbled appearance of broken plaster and exposed bricks. Debris was strewn around; it was a reminder of the devastation. He noticed the jagged edges and the irregular shapes. The exposed brick emphasized the wreckage of the situation and the potential for serious injury.
• The artist created a painting with a purposefully stubbled canvas, employing a thick, textured paint application. His technique produced a rough, irregular feel. The canvas's texture provided a tactile experience. The artwork's unusual visual appearance made it fascinating and unique.