burr

noun

\ ˈbər

Definition of burr

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 usually bur

a : a rough or prickly envelope of a fruit

b : a plant that bears burs

2a : something that sticks or clings a burr in the throat

b : hanger-on

3 : an irregular rounded mass especially : a tree burl

4 : a thin ridge or area of roughness produced in cutting or shaping metal

5a : a trilled uvular \r\ as used by some speakers of English especially in northern England and in Scotland

b : a tongue-point trill that is the usual Scottish \r\

6a : a small rotary cutting tool

b usually bur : a bit used on a dental drill

7 : a rough humming sound : whir

burr

verb

burred; burring; burrs

Definition of burr (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to speak with a burr

2 : to make a whirring sound

transitive verb

1 : to pronounce with a burr

2a : to form into a projecting edge

b : to remove burrs from

Burr

biographical name

\ ˈbər

Definition of Burr (Entry 3 of 3)

Aaron 1756–1836 3rd vice president of the U.S. (1801–05)

Other Words from burr Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about burr

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Synonyms for burr

Synonyms: Noun

buzz, chirr, churr, drone, hum, purr, thrum, whir (also whirr), whiz (or whizz), zoom

Synonyms: Verb

bumble, buzz, drone, hum, whir (also whirr), whish, whiz (or whizz), zip, zoom

Examples of burr in a Sentence

Noun

a tool that can cut through steel leaving a smooth edge and no burrs heard the burr of a distant engine

Verb

the pitch burred past the batter's ear

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Lyft was a particular burr under Kalanick’s saddle. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Uber’s guerrilla tactics and tech-bro parties chronicled in ‘Super Pumped’," 5 Sep. 2019 But the sweet-tasting nut, released from a small golden hedgehog of a burr, was the real prize. — Robert Langellier, National Geographic, "A legendary Ozark chestnut tree, thought extinct, is rediscovered," 24 June 2019 But when Rose-Lynn opens her mouth to sing–her speaking voice has a Glaswegian burr, but her singing voice is all Tennessee–you’re wheedled into forgetting her flaws and sins and wanting only the best for her and her kids. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, "Country Music Crosses the Pond in Wild Rose," 20 June 2019 Most of the trees planted were different types of native oak, including swamp white, burr, red and chinquapin. — Frank Vaisvilas, Daily Southtown, "The ash trees are gone and maples are in decline, Homewood boosts its canopy with new oaks, beech trees," 7 June 2019 To achieve uniformity, use a conical burr grinder instead of a blade grinder. — Francine Maroukian, Popular Mechanics, "Hack Your Coffee: How to Use a French Press the Right Way," 15 Feb. 2015 The burr forms where two intersecting angles are formed in the honing process. — Josh Donald, Popular Mechanics, "The Right Way to Sharpen Kitchen Knives," 17 Nov. 2017 Raise a burr with the first stone and then work up to a finer stone to remove those scratches, just like using sandpaper. — Josh Donald, Popular Mechanics, "The Right Way to Sharpen Kitchen Knives," 17 Nov. 2017 This burr grinder has a 40-setting grind size selector, an on-off switch for continuous grinding, and a push-button for manual control. — Reviewed Staff, USA TODAY, "The best coffee makers of 2018," 8 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'burr.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.