barb

¹

[ bahrb ]

noun

1. a point or pointed part projecting backward from a main point, as of a fishhook or arrowhead.

   Synonyms: spicule, prickle, snag, barbule, prong, spike, spur

2. an obviously or openly unpleasant or cutting remark.
3. Botany, Zoology. a hooked or sharp bristle.
4. Ornithology. one of the processes attached to the rachis of a feather.
5. one of a breed of domestic pigeons, similar to the carriers or homers, having a short, broad bill.
6. any of numerous, small, Old World cyprinid fishes of the genera Barbus and Puntius, often kept in aquariums.
7. Usually barbs. Veterinary Pathology. a small protuberance under the tongue in horses and cattle, especially when inflamed and swollen.
8. Also a linen covering for the throat and breast, formerly worn by women mourners and now only by some nuns.
9. Obsolete. a beard.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a barb or barbs.

barb

²

[ bahrb ]

noun

1. one of a breed of horses raised originally in Barbary.

barb

³

[ bahrb ]

noun

, Slang.

1. barbiturate.

barb

¹

/ bɑːb /

noun

1. a subsidiary point facing in the opposite direction to the main point of a fish-hook, harpoon, arrow, etc, intended to make extraction difficult
2. any of various pointed parts, as on barbed wire
3. a cutting remark; gibe
4. any of the numerous hairlike filaments that form the vane of a feather
5. a beardlike growth in certain animals
6. a hooked hair or projection on certain fruits
7. any small cyprinid fish of the genus Barbus (or Puntius ) and related genera, such as B. conchonius ( rosy barb )
8. usually plural any of the small fleshy protuberances beneath the tongue in horses and cattle
9. a white linen cloth forming part of a headdress extending from the chin to the upper chest, originally worn by women in the Middle Ages, now worn by nuns of some orders
10. obsolete.
    a beard

verb

1. tr to provide with a barb or barbs

barb

²

/ bɑːb /

noun

1. a breed of horse of North African origin, similar to the Arab but less spirited

barb

³

/ bɑːb /

noun

1. a black kelpie See kelpie 1

BARB

⁴

/ bɑːb /

acronym for

1. Broadcasters' Audience Research Board

barb

/ bärb /

1. A sharp point projecting backward, as on the stinger of a bee.
2. One of the hairlike branches on the shaft of a feather.

Derived Forms

• barbed, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of barb¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English barbe “beard, pleated cloth, barb (of an arrow),” from Middle French, Old French barbe, from Latin barba beard

Origin of barb²

First recorded in 1600–10; from French barbe, shortened form of Italian barbero “Barbary steed,” equivalent to Barber(ia) “Barbary” + -o masculine noun suffix

Origin of barb³

First recorded in 1955–60; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of barb¹

C14: from Old French barbe beard, point, from Latin barba beard

Origin of barb²

C17: from French barbe , from Italian barbero a Barbary (horse)

Origin of barb³

C19: named after one that was named Barb after a winning racehorse

Example Sentences

"We need to always stand for them because they are lost in there," Aunty Barb said.

From BBC

"Our young people in Don Dale need to have opportunity for hope," said Aboriginal elder, Aunty Barb Nasir, addressing the demonstrators.

From BBC

In the video, posted Tuesday morning, the pop diva morphs into different versions of Anderson, like her iconic "Baywatch" and "Barb Wire" characters.

From Salon

But Trump charges Democrats, not the comedian who tossed the racist barb or the campaign staff who seemingly failed to vet him, with destroying his support amongst Puerto Ricans.

From Salon

The former president also tossed a barb at a Trump town hall on Monday, during which the candidate paused questions to bop along to his playlist for nearly 40 minutes.

From Salon

Related Words

• criticism
• gibe
• insult
• sarcasm