noun

rhubarb

ROO-bahb

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Rhubarb (noun) means a garden plant with long, tart red or green stalks that are cooked and eaten, usually sweetened, while its leaves are poisonous. Example: “She baked a rhubarb crumble with a scoop of custard on top.”

noun

A garden plant with long, tart red or green stalks that are cooked and eaten, usually sweetened, while its leaves are poisonous.

"She baked a rhubarb crumble with a scoop of custard on top."

"The rhubarb in the garden is ready to pick in early summer."

A loud, confused argument or disturbance, especially at a sporting event.

"A rhubarb broke out at home plate after the controversial call."

How to use rhubarb

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tart plant used in cooking (its stalks, not leaves), or informally, a noisy dispute.

Common mistake

Only the stalks are eaten — the leaves are toxic and should never be cooked or eaten.

Common pairings

rhubarb crumble rhubarb pie stewed rhubarb

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: rhubarbs
Third person singular: rhubarbs
Past tense: rhubarbed

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She baked a _____ crumble with a scoop of custard on top.

Etymology

From Old French reubarbe, ultimately from Greek rheon barbarikon, literally "foreign rhubarb" — because the plant was imported from outside the Greek and Roman world.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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pieplant

Frequently asked questions

What does “rhubarb” mean?

The word “rhubarb” means a garden plant with long, tart red or green stalks that are cooked and eaten, usually sweetened, while its leaves are poisonous. In plain terms, a tart plant used in cooking (its stalks, not leaves), or informally, a noisy dispute.

How do you pronounce “rhubarb”?

“Rhubarb” is pronounced ROO-bahb (/ˈɹuˌbɑɹb/ in IPA).

How do you use “rhubarb” in a sentence?

Here is “rhubarb” used in a sentence: “She baked a rhubarb crumble with a scoop of custard on top.”

What part of speech is “rhubarb”?

“Rhubarb” is a noun.

Where does the word “rhubarb” come from?

The word “rhubarb” comes from Old French. From Old French reubarbe, ultimately from Greek rheon barbarikon, literally "foreign rhubarb" — because the plant was imported from outside the Greek and Roman world.

How many meanings does “rhubarb” have?

“Rhubarb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a garden plant with long, tart red or green stalks that are cooked and eaten, usually sweetened, while its leaves are poisonous.

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