barbel

1 of 2

noun (1)

bar·​bel ˈbär-bəl 

: a European freshwater cyprinid fish (Barbus barbus) with four barbels on its upper jaw

also : any of various closely related fishes

barbel

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a slender tactile process on the lips of certain fishes (such as catfishes)

Examples of barbel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This fish, distinguished by its long whisker-like barbels and unique dorsal fin, was found in a small stream within a deep gorge. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025

In all, Johnson and Mathison passed the huge barbels back and forth over their heads six times. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 30 July 2025

These fish use legs to taste the seafloor (link in description) Watch on This discovery wasn’t necessarily a surprise, as other types of fish, such as goatfish and catfish, have taste receptors on the barbels that protrude from their heads. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024

Just as the tiny minnow powers the barbel run in the river, which sustains various larger creatures, so do each of our individual choices contribute to the interwoven tapestry of the human species. —Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *barbellus, diminutive of Latin barbus barbel, from barba beard — more at beard

Noun (2)

obsolete French, from Middle French, diminutive of barbe barb, beard

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1601, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for barbel

• marble

Kids Definition

barbel

noun

bar·​bel

ˈbär-bəl

: a slender process on the lip of some fishes (as a catfish) that is used for feeling