Barbie
noun
variants
or Barbie doll
plural Barbies or Barbie dolls
usually disparaging
: a conventionally attractive young woman typically perceived as lacking substance, character, or intelligence
… generic, blue-eyed, blonde Barbie dolls with orthodontically perfect teeth …—
Charles Johnson
Charles JohnsonIt was the 26-year-old's first major role, and she played it with subzero coldness. She couldn't care less how many men Al Pacino's Tony Montana would kill to curry her favor. She's aloof and unattainable, a coke-fed Barbie, the ultimate accessory.—Hilary Elkins et al.
Hilary Elkins et al.Jacquelin Smith, recalling her days as one of Charlie's Angels: "Perhaps they were Barbie dolls with very little depth to them. But I'll say one thing for the show: Trying to add some life to lines like 'Hold it—freeze' certainly does wonders for your acting."—People
PeopleExamples of Barbie in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Williams’ vision extended to the creation of the barbie as the 45-year-old collaborated closely on the design to ensure every detail reflected her style and story.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 Aug. 2025
Written by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, Jay Kelly is the first directorial release from Baumbach since 2022’s White Noise and his first as a writer since the 2023 blockbuster Barbie.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025
The meaning shifted with American baby showers and Pop culture, like Mattel’s barbie.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
As for us, throw another shrimp on the barbie, Barney.
—Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
Their newest addition went dressed as a shrimp (on the barbie, presumably).
—Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
The most recent career dolls include STEM careers, Congresswomen and athletes, like American fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad.
Personally, from a fashion standpoint, the Karl Lagerfeld barbie doll is a standout.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Throw another mammoth on the barbie?
—Mike Corder, oregonlive, 31 Mar. 2023
Perfect with a steak on the barbie.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2022
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Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 Aug. 2025
Written by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, Jay Kelly is the first directorial release from Baumbach since 2022’s White Noise and his first as a writer since the 2023 blockbuster Barbie.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025
The meaning shifted with American baby showers and Pop culture, like Mattel’s barbie.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
As for us, throw another shrimp on the barbie, Barney.
—Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
Their newest addition went dressed as a shrimp (on the barbie, presumably).
—Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
The most recent career dolls include STEM careers, Congresswomen and athletes, like American fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad.
Personally, from a fashion standpoint, the Karl Lagerfeld barbie doll is a standout.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Throw another mammoth on the barbie?
—Mike Corder, oregonlive, 31 Mar. 2023
Perfect with a steak on the barbie.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Barbie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Barbie. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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