noun

barbel

BAR-bəl

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Barbel (noun) means a freshwater fish of the genus Barbus or a closely related group in the carp family. Example: “Anglers fish for barbel in the fast-flowing sections of the river.”

noun

A freshwater fish of the genus Barbus or a closely related group in the carp family.

"Anglers fish for barbel in the fast-flowing sections of the river."

"The barbel is prized among coarse fishermen for its strength."

"We caught two barbel near the weir this morning."

biology A whisker-like sensory organ near the mouth of certain fish, such as carp, catfish and sturgeon.

"The catfish uses its barbels to feel for food on the riverbed."

"Sturgeon have several barbels hanging near their mouths."

"You can see the fine barbels on this carp's upper lip."

How to use barbel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt can mean either a type of river fish or the whisker-like feelers some fish have near their mouths.

When to use it

The fish and anatomical senses are everyday terms among anglers and in general nature writing, while the anatomical sense also appears in biology.

Memory tip

Do not confuse barbel with barbell, the weightlifting bar; they are unrelated words that just sound alike.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

barbell →

Common pairings

barbel fishing sensitive barbels catch a barbel barbels near the mouth

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “barbel” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Anglers fish for _____ in the fast-flowing sections of the river.

Etymology

Barbel came into English from Middle English barbel, borrowed from Old French barbel. That word traced back through Vulgar Latin to Late Latin barbulus, a diminutive of Latin barbus, meaning barbel, which was itself linked to barba, meaning beard.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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barb

Related words

shot hook dig Barbara offense slam shaft barb

Frequently asked questions

What is a barbel fish?

It is a freshwater fish, of the genus Barbus or a related group, found in rivers and popular with anglers.

What are the barbels on a catfish for?

They are whisker-like sensory organs near the mouth that help the fish feel for food, often in murky water.

Do all fish have barbels?

No, only certain fish, such as carp, catfish, goatfish, sturgeon and some sharks, have these sensory whiskers.

What is the meaning of barbel?

"barbel" (noun) means a freshwater fish of the genus Barbus or a closely related group in the carp family.

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