comb
Comb (noun) means a flat toothed tool used for untangling, styling, or holding hair in place. Example: “She ran a comb through her wet hair before leaving the house.”
How to use comb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA toothed tool for hair, a rooster's crest, or (as a verb) to search something carefully and thoroughly.
Word forms
combed past tense, combs plural, combs singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She ran a _____ through her wet hair before leaving the house.
Etymology
From Old English camb, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "tooth" — the same root behind the word "cam" in mechanics.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for comb
See all rhymes for comb →Frequently asked questions
What does “comb” mean?
The word “comb” means a flat toothed tool used for untangling, styling, or holding hair in place. In plain terms, a toothed tool for hair, a rooster's crest, or (as a verb) to search something carefully and thoroughly.
How do you pronounce “comb”?
“Comb” is pronounced kohm (/koʊm/ in IPA).
How do you use “comb” in a sentence?
Here is “comb” used in a sentence: “She ran a comb through her wet hair before leaving the house.”
What part of speech is “comb”?
Depending on how it is used, “comb” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “comb” come from?
The word “comb” comes from Old English. From Old English camb, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "tooth" — the same root behind the word "cam" in mechanics.
Is “comb” a common word?
“Comb” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “comb” have?
“Comb” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flat toothed tool used for untangling, styling, or holding hair in place.
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