five o'clock shadow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

PETALUMA, Calif.—Whiskers are spreading across American politics like a five o’clock shadow.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

For years, the legendary Washington Post political cartoonist Herbert Block, aka Herblock, drew Richard Nixon with a menacing five o’clock shadow.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2024

In the 1959 Billy Wilder movie on which the musical is based, drag is a punchline; Jerry’s new alias, Daphne, is funny because it seems ludicrous attached to someone with a five o’clock shadow.

From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2023

This was the era of the clones... very short cropped hair, big moustache, strong five o'clock shadow, plaid shirts, tight jeans and builder's boots.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2022

And beneath that, a five o’clock shadow finely mists his strong jawline, just so.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali