adj
Uncommon
barbed
bahbd
Barbed (adj) means Fitted with sharp backward-pointing points, like on a fish hook or barbed wire. Example: “The fence was topped with barbed wire to keep intruders out.”
adj
1
Fitted with sharp backward-pointing points, like on a fish hook or barbed wire.
"The fence was topped with barbed wire to keep intruders out."
2
Deliberately hurtful or sharply critical, especially in speech.
"She made a barbed comment about his cooking that left the table silent."
How to use barbed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally covered in sharp points (like barbed wire); figuratively, a remark meant to sting.
Common pairings
barbed wire
barbed comment
barbed remark
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more barbed
- Superlative
- most barbed
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The fence was topped with _____ wire to keep intruders out.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “barbed” mean?
The word “barbed” means fitted with sharp backward-pointing points, like on a fish hook or barbed wire. In plain terms, literally covered in sharp points (like barbed wire); figuratively, a remark meant to sting.
How do you pronounce “barbed”?
“Barbed” is pronounced bahbd (/bɑː(ɹ)bd/ in IPA).
How do you use “barbed” in a sentence?
Here is “barbed” used in a sentence: “The fence was topped with barbed wire to keep intruders out.”
What part of speech is “barbed”?
“Barbed” is an adjective.
Is “barbed” a common word?
“Barbed” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “barbed” have?
“Barbed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: fitted with sharp backward-pointing points, like on a fish hook or barbed wire.
