SINCE 1828
barb
noun (1)
\ ˈbärb
\
\
Definition of barb
(Entry 1 of 4)
1
: a medieval cloth headdress passing over or under the chin and covering the neck
2a
: a sharp projection extending backward (as from the point of an arrow or fishhook) and preventing easy extraction
also
: a sharp projection with its point similarly oblique to something else
b
: a biting or pointedly critical remark or comment
3
: barbel entry 2
4
: any of the side branches of the shaft of a feather — see feather illustration
5
: a plant hair or bristle ending in a hook
barb
verb
barbed;
barbing;
barbs
Definition of barb (Entry 2 of 4)
: to furnish with a barb
barb
noun (2)Definition of barb (Entry 3 of 4)
: any of a northern African breed of horses that are noted for speed and endurance
barb
noun (3)Definition of barb (Entry 4 of 4)
slang
Other Words from barb
Noun (1)
barbless
\ ˈbärb-ləs
\
adjective
\
adjective
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for barb
barb
noun
\ ˈbärb
\
\
Kids Definition of barb
: a sharp point that sticks out and backward (as from the tip of an arrow or fishhook)
barb
noun
\ ˈbärb
\
\
Medical Definition of barb
slang
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on barb
What made you want to look up barb? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?
-
- Which came first?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?
Which word entered the English language first?
Take the quiz -
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share barb
Resources for barb