name

Barbary

BAH-buh-ree

Barbary (name) means a historical name for the coastal regions of North Africa, once notorious as a base for pirates. Example: “The novel is set among pirates raiding ships from the Barbary Coast.”

name

A historical name for the coastal regions of North Africa, once notorious as a base for pirates.

"The novel is set among pirates raiding ships from the Barbary Coast."

How to use Barbary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe historical name for North Africa's coast, especially famous for the Barbary pirates.

Common pairings

Barbary Coast Barbary pirates

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The novel is set among pirates raiding ships from the _____ Coast.

Etymology

From "Berber" plus the suffix "-y," likely influenced by the older adjective barbary meaning "barbarian, non-Christian."

Origin: Berber

Rhymes for Barbary

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary January

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Barbary” mean?

The word “Barbary” means a historical name for the coastal regions of North Africa, once notorious as a base for pirates. In plain terms, the historical name for North Africa's coast, especially famous for the Barbary pirates.

How do you pronounce “Barbary”?

“Barbary” is pronounced BAH-buh-ree (/ˈbɑː(ɹ)bəɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “Barbary” in a sentence?

Here is “Barbary” used in a sentence: “The novel is set among pirates raiding ships from the Barbary Coast.”

What part of speech is “Barbary”?

“Barbary” is a name.

Where does the word “Barbary” come from?

The word “Barbary” comes from Berber. From "Berber" plus the suffix "-y," likely influenced by the older adjective barbary meaning "barbarian, non-Christian.".