Barry

[ bar-ee ]

noun

1. Sir Charles, 1795–1860, English architect.
2. John, 1745–1803, American naval commander in the Revolution.
3. Leonora Marie Kearney Mother Lake, 1849–1930, U.S. labor leader and social activist, born in Ireland.
4. Philip, 1896–1949, U.S. playwright.
5. a first name: from an Irish word meaning “spear.”

Barry

¹

/ ˈbærɪ /

noun

1. a port in SE Wales, in Vale of Glamorgan county borough on the Bristol Channel. Pop: 50 661 (2001)

Barry

²

noun

1. ˈbærɪ BarrySir Charles17951860MEnglishARCHITECTURE: architect Sir Charles . 1795–1860, English architect: designer of the Houses of Parliament in London
2. bari BarryComtesse du Comtesse du . See du Barry
3. BarryJohn19332011MBritishMUSIC: composer of film scores John, real name John Barry Prendergast. 1933–2011, British composer of film scores, including several for films in the James Bond series

barry

³

/ ˈbærɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   a mistake or blunder; a disappointing performance

Word History and Origins

Origin of Barry¹

rhyming slang for shocker

Example Sentences

"We focus on hunter-gatherers because this way of life characterized 99% of human history," said Barry Hewlett, a professor of anthropology at WSU and lead author of the study.

From Science Daily

Does anyone wear his legend status as lightly as Barry Gibb?

From Los Angeles Times

Petersen, who earned his nickname after starring as youngster Smiley Greevins in the classic 1956 Australian film “Smiley,” went to the same school as Barry Gibb and his twin brothers, Maurice and Robin Gibb.

From Los Angeles Times

The Gibbs had been performing together since 1958, forming the group when they lived in Brisbane, Australia, when Barry was 12 and the twins were 9.

From Los Angeles Times

“That kid looks quite chill,” said Barry Jenkins of the picture of his younger self he has saved on his phone.

From Los Angeles Times