Definition of barnacle
1 : barnacle goose
2 [from a popular belief that the goose grew from the crustacean] : any of numerous marine crustaceans (subclass Cirripedia) with feathery appendages for gathering food that are free-swimming as larvae but permanently fixed (as to rocks, boat hulls, or whales) as adults
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Recent Examples of barnacle from the Web
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Turner awakens from what appears to be a bad dream, and all seems normal — except for barnacles under the bed.
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This ugly gizmo clings like a barnacle to the outside of your home, readable only by functionaries.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'barnacle'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of barnacle
Origin and Etymology of barnacle
Middle English barnakille, alteration of bernake, bernekke
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms
BARNACLE Defined for English Language Learners
barnacle
playDefinition of barnacle for English Language Learners
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: a kind of small shellfish that attaches itself to rocks and the bottoms of boats underwater
BARNACLE Defined for Kids
barnacle
playDefinition of barnacle for Students
: a small saltwater crustacean that becomes permanently attached (as to rocks or the bottoms of boats) as an adult
Learn More about barnacle
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Spanish Central: Translation of barnacle Nglish: Translation of barnacle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of barnacle for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barnacle
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