SINCE 1828

barlow

noun bar·low \ ˈbär-ˌlō \

Definition of barlow

: a sturdy inexpensive jackknife

See barlow defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of barlow

Barlow, family of 18th century English knife makers

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1779

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Barlow

biographical name Bar·low \ ˈbär-ˌlō \

Definition of Barlow

Joel 1754–1812 American poet and diplomat

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up barlow? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

cathexis

play

investment of mental or emotional energy

BROWSE DICTIONARY

bar line

bar lock

barlow

Barlow

Barlow's plate

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game

barlow

Definition of barlow

Origin and Etymology of barlow

Barlow

Definition of Barlow