gar

¹

[ gahr ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) gar, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) gars.

1. Also called garfish, garpike. any predaceous freshwater fish of the genus Lepisosteus, of North America, covered with hard, diamond-shaped scales and having long jaws with needlelike teeth.
2. needlefish ( def 1 ).

gar

²

[ gahr ]

verb (used with object)

, garred, gar·ring.

1. Scot. to compel or force (someone) to do something.
2. Scot. and North England Obsolete. to do, perform, or cause.

gar.

³

abbreviation for

1. garage.

G.A.R.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. Grand Army of the Republic.

gar

¹

/ ɡɑː /

noun

1. short for garpike garfish

gar

²

/ ɡɑːr /

verb

1. tr to cause or compel

Word History and Origins

Origin of gar¹

1755–65, Americanism; shortened form of garfish

Origin of gar²

1250–1300; Middle English geren, garren, gairen < Old Norse gera to do, make; akin to Old English gearwian to prepare

Word History and Origins

Origin of gar¹

from Old Norse

Example Sentences

The lubricating proteins were abundant in the fish’s jaws and in the fins of zebra fish, gar, and sticklebacks, the scientists reported.

From Science Magazine

Prehistoric-looking fish called gars, which have the slowest rate of molecular evolution of all jawed vertebrates, are the most striking examples.

From Science Magazine

We grab our soap and wade out into the river’s side channel for a wash-up and dip before breakfast, hoping a gar doesn’t rub up against our legs with its jagged teeth and prehistoric scales.

From Los Angeles Times

The alligator gar caught in eastern China last week weighed roughly 11 pounds.

From Washington Post

He also said voters had responded positively to his party's plans to cut VAT using the proceeds from a windfall tax on the profits of oil and gar companies.

From BBC

Related Words

• bayonet