noun
Uncommon
burr
bur
Burr (noun) means a prickly seed case or flower head that clings to fur or clothing. Example: “The dog came back covered in burrs from the field.”
noun
1
A prickly seed case or flower head that clings to fur or clothing.
"The dog came back covered in burrs from the field."
2
A strong, rolled pronunciation of the letter "r," or an accent marked by it.
"His soft Scottish burr made the story even more charming."
verb
1
To grind or smooth using a small rotating abrasive tool.
"The dentist used a burr to shape the cavity before filling it."
How to use burr
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA prickly seed pod that sticks to things, a rolling "r" accent, or (as a verb) to grind with a small rotary tool.
Common pairings
a Scottish burr
covered in burrs
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Word forms
- Plural
- burrs
- Third person singular
- burrs
- Past tense
- burred
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dog came back covered in _____ from the field.
Etymology
From Middle English "burre," possibly related to an Old English word for "bristle."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for burr
See all rhymes for burr →Frequently asked questions
What does “burr” mean?
The word “burr” means a prickly seed case or flower head that clings to fur or clothing. In plain terms, a prickly seed pod that sticks to things, a rolling "r" accent, or (as a verb) to grind with a small rotary tool.
How do you pronounce “burr”?
“Burr” is pronounced bur (/bɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “burr” in a sentence?
Here is “burr” used in a sentence: “The dog came back covered in burrs from the field.”
What part of speech is “burr”?
Depending on how it is used, “burr” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “burr” come from?
The word “burr” comes from Old English. From Middle English "burre," possibly related to an Old English word for "bristle.".
Is “burr” a common word?
“Burr” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “burr” have?
“Burr” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a prickly seed case or flower head that clings to fur or clothing.
