bark
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bark, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make the sharp, loud vocal sound typical of dogs.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bark
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English beorcan ("to bark"), an ancient Germanic word related to sounds of growling or droning; the tree-covering sense is a separate, unrelated word borrowed from Old Norse.
Full origin of bark →Frequently asked questions
What does “bark” mean?
The word “bark” means to make the sharp, loud vocal sound typical of dogs. In plain terms, either the sound a dog makes, or the tough outer layer of a tree — two unrelated meanings that happen to share a spelling.
How do you pronounce “bark”?
“Bark” is pronounced bahk (/bɑɹk/ in IPA).
How do you use “bark” in a sentence?
Here is “bark” used in a sentence: “The dog barked wildly at the mail carrier.”
What part of speech is “bark”?
Depending on how it is used, “bark” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “bark” come from?
The word “bark” comes from Old English. From Old English beorcan ("to bark"), an ancient Germanic word related to sounds of growling or droning; the tree-covering sense is a separate, unrelated word borrowed from Old Norse.
Is “bark” a common word?
“Bark” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bark” have?
“Bark” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make the sharp, loud vocal sound typical of dogs.
What is the difference between bark and howl for dog sounds?
Bark refers to the sharp, loud vocal sound typical of dogs, usually short and repeated, while a howl is a prolonged, mournful vocal sound. Dogs bark to alert or communicate quickly, whereas howling tends to be sustained and used for different signaling purposes.
What is the difference between the bark of a tree and a dog's bark?
These are two unrelated meanings of the same word: tree bark is the tough outer covering of a trunk and branches, while a dog's bark is the sharp sound it makes vocally. Context makes clear which sense is meant, since one refers to a plant structure and the other to an animal sound.
What does it mean when a person barks at someone?
When a person barks at someone, it means they speak in a sharp, loud, commanding tone, similar to the abrupt sound a dog makes. This figurative use often describes an order or reprimand delivered forcefully.