rhubarb

noun

rhu·​barb ˈrü-ˌbärb How to pronounce rhubarb (audio)
1
a
: any of a genus (Rheum) of Asian plants of the buckwheat family having large leaves with thick petioles often used as food
also : the petioles of rhubarb
b
: the tart, succulent, usually pink or red petioles of rhubarb used especially in pies and preserves
2
: the dried rhizome and roots of any of various rhubarbs (such as Rheum officinale and R. palmatum) grown chiefly in temperate parts of China and used in folk medicine especially as a laxative, diuretic, and ulcer treatment
3
: a heated dispute or controversy

Examples of rhubarb in a Sentence

The coach got into a rhubarb with the umpire. a basketball coach whose ranting rhubarbs with officials are the stuff of legend
Recent Examples on the Web Just look how stunning rhubarb bows look on this cake. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2024 The rhubarb is an exquisite blend of sweet and tart cradled by a thin, light and flaky crust. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 18 Feb. 2024 But right now at Fat & Flour frozen rhubarb basks in a solo moment, flavored with tangerine juice and vanilla bean paste to give its astringency brightness and warmth. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2024 Stick around after the distillery tour to relax in the stylish bar and sip cocktails made from a selection of award-winning gins, some of which incorporate homegrown botanicals like sloe berries and rhubarb. Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2023 Protect –Add compost and mulch around your perennial veggies (think asparagus, artichokes, and rhubarb) as well as berry bushes and citrus trees. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 5 Dec. 2023 Yes, fresh rhubarb will appear in its classic pairing with strawberries come springtime. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2024 The rippling edge of rhubarb adds ballast to this unpasteurized sparkling drink from Germany. Scott Hocker, theweek, 14 Jan. 2024 In one early scene, Michel, the 60-something patriarch of the revered Troisgros culinary dynasty, calmly grills his son Léo about a sauce that will accompany a dish of asparagus and rhubarb. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rhubarb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rubarbe, from Anglo-French reubarbe, from Medieval Latin reubarbarum, alteration of rha barbarum, literally, barbarian rhubarb

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhubarb was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rhubarb

Cite this Entry

“Rhubarb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhubarb. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rhubarb

noun
rhu·​barb ˈrü-ˌbärb How to pronounce rhubarb (audio)
1
: a plant related to buckwheat and having large green leaves with thick juicy pink or red stems that are used for food
2
: a heated dispute or argument

Medical Definition

rhubarb

noun
rhu·​barb ˈrü-ˌbärb How to pronounce rhubarb (audio)
1
: any of several plants of the genus Rheum having large leaves with thick succulent petioles often used as food
2
: the dried rhizome and roots of any of several rhubarbs (especially Rheum officinale and R. palmatum) grown in China and Tibet and used as a purgative and stomachic

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