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

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishLiterally covered in sharp points (like barbed wire); figuratively, a remark meant to sting.

Common pairings

barbed wire barbed comment barbed remark

Word forms

more barbed comparative, most barbed superlative

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The fence was topped with _____ wire to keep intruders out.

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.