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

Over time, they developed a new act based around their quips, barbs and songs.

From Los Angeles Times

In the immediate aftermath of the loss, Democrats have tossed barbs and blame at each other.

From Salon

On the ground, amid the sagebrush and tumbleweeds, are a few old barracks, a weathered wooden fence strung with barbed wire and a wind-battered guard tower.

From Los Angeles Times

Both Harris and Trump have been sharpening their barbs in recent days.

From BBC

Hochman, who is running as an independent, has largely eschewed partisan politics in the race other than to parry Gascón’s barbs and focused most of his ad spending on public safety.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• criticism
• gibe
• insult
• sarcasm