English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

Bluebeard

Quiz me More like this

Bluebeard (noun) means a man who marries and kills a series of wives, after the villain of the classic fairy tale. Example: “The tabloids called him a modern-day Bluebeard after the third wife went missing.”

noun
1
A man who marries and kills a series of wives, after the villain of the classic fairy tale.
"The tabloids called him a modern-day Bluebeard after the third wife went missing."

How to use Bluebeard

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA reference to a man who marries and kills multiple wives, from the famous fairy tale.

Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Bluebeard.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
Bluebeards
Test yourself on “Bluebeard” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The tabloids called him a modern-day _____ after the third wife went missing.

Etymology

A translation of French Barbe-Bleue, the title character of a 1697 fairy tale by Charles Perrault about a nobleman who murders his wives one after another.

Origin: French · First attested 1697

Class of 1697 Bluebeard joined the language around 1697.
See the full Class of 1697 →

Rhymes for Bluebeard

See all rhymes for Bluebeard →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Bluebeard” mean?
The word “Bluebeard” means a man who marries and kills a series of wives, after the villain of the classic fairy tale. In plain terms, a reference to a man who marries and kills multiple wives, from the famous fairy tale.
How do you use “Bluebeard” in a sentence?
Here is “Bluebeard” used in a sentence: “The tabloids called him a modern-day Bluebeard after the third wife went missing.”
What part of speech is “Bluebeard”?
“Bluebeard” is a noun.
Where does the word “Bluebeard” come from?
The word “Bluebeard” dates back to around 1697 and comes from French. A translation of French Barbe-Bleue, the title character of a 1697 fairy tale by Charles Perrault about a nobleman who murders his wives one after another.

Featured in