hairsplitter

noun

hair·​split·​ter ˈher-ˌspli-tər How to pronounce hairsplitter (audio)
Synonyms of hairsplitternext
: one that makes excessively fine distinctions in reasoning
hairsplitting
ˈher-ˌspli-tiŋ How to pronounce hairsplitter (audio)
adjective or noun

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hairsplitter was in 1849

Rhymes for hairsplitter

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Browse Nearby Words

hairspace
hairsplitter
hairsplitting
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Cite this Entry

“Hairsplitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hairsplitter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hairsplitter

noun
hair·​split·​ter ˈha(ə)r-ˌsplit-ər How to pronounce hairsplitter (audio)
: a person who argues about differences too small to be important
hairsplitting
-ˌsplit-iŋ How to pronounce hairsplitter (audio)
adjective or noun

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