noun
Uncommon
barb
bahb
Barb (noun) means a sharp point angled backward on an arrow, hook, or wire, designed to make it hard to pull out. Example: “The fishhook's barb kept it firmly lodged in the fish's mouth.”
noun
1
A sharp point angled backward on an arrow, hook, or wire, designed to make it hard to pull out.
"The fishhook's barb kept it firmly lodged in the fish's mouth."
2
A sharp, cutting remark meant to hurt or provoke.
"She fired off a few barbs about his driving before he even started the car."
3
Any of various small freshwater fish with whisker-like barbels near the mouth.
"The aquarium tank was stocked with tiger barbs."
verb
1
To fit something with barbs.
"The fence was barbed with wire along the top."
How to use barb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally a backward-pointing spike (as on a hook or wire); figuratively, a stinging remark.
Common pairings
barbed wire
a barb aimed at
trade barbs
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Word forms
- Plural
- barbs
- Third person singular
- barbs
- Past tense
- barbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fishhook's _____ kept it firmly lodged in the fish's mouth.
Etymology
From Old French barbe ("beard"), from Latin barba — the same root as "beard" and "barber."
Related words
Rhymes for barb
See all rhymes for barb →Frequently asked questions
What does “barb” mean?
The word “barb” means a sharp point angled backward on an arrow, hook, or wire, designed to make it hard to pull out. In plain terms, literally a backward-pointing spike (as on a hook or wire); figuratively, a stinging remark.
How do you pronounce “barb”?
“Barb” is pronounced bahb (/bɑː(ɹ)b/ in IPA).
How do you use “barb” in a sentence?
Here is “barb” used in a sentence: “The fishhook's barb kept it firmly lodged in the fish's mouth.”
What part of speech is “barb”?
Depending on how it is used, “barb” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “barb” come from?
The word “barb” comes from Latin. From Old French barbe ("beard"), from Latin barba — the same root as "beard" and "barber.".
Is “barb” a common word?
“Barb” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “barb” have?
“Barb” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp point angled backward on an arrow, hook, or wire, designed to make it hard to pull out.
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