comb

noun \ ˈkōm \

|Updated on: 24 Jun 2018

Definition of comb

1 a : a toothed instrument used especially for adjusting, cleaning, or confining hair

b : a structure resembling such a comb; especially : any of several toothed devices used in handling or ordering textile fibers

c : currycomb

2 a : a fleshy crest on the head of the domestic chicken and other domestic birds

b : something (such as the ridge of a roof) resembling the comb of a cock

3 : honeycomb

—

combed

play \ˈkōmd\ adjective

—

comblike

play \ˈkōm-ˌlīk\ adjective

See comb defined for English-language learners

See comb defined for kids

Recent Examples of comb from the Web

And this comb is known for its anti-bedhead powers.

— the editors of gq, GQ, "The Best Natural and Organic Grooming Products to Restock Your Cabinet," 8 June 2018
The comb wasn't solely responsible for my curl turnaround—that's also thanks to the deluge of incredible products now available.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "This $3 Comb Is the Only Brush I’ll Ever Use on My Curls," 30 Apr. 2018
The opposing mini comb on the other end of the pencil is great for brushing and blending.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "4 Experts on the Best Makeup Buys at Sephora Under $60," 30 Mar. 2018
In the 17th century, the lice comb stood for both a clean appearance and a pure character.

— kate darnton, BostonGlobe.com, "Why do Americans freak out over lice?," 17 Mar. 2018
Starting at the point of your hairline above the middle of your left eyebrow, draw a zigzag part with a rattail comb back to the crown of your head.

— stasha harris, Cosmopolitan, "This Zigzag Stitch Ponytail Absolutely Slays," 2 Mar. 2018
One morning, trying to comb out a tangled section of my hair, the comb gets completely stuck.

— dara lurie, Longreads, "Changing My Mind About Pig’s Feet and Cornrows," 15 Jan. 2018
First of all, a good quality lice comb is the easiest way to confirm a diagnosis.

— mariko zapf, Good Housekeeping, "This 3-Step Natural Head Lice Remedy Works For My Family Every Time," 15 Aug. 2017
Then, a 350-person committee comprised of industry experts combs through nominations to whittle them down into a ballot.

— refinery29.com, "Why The Billboard Music Awards Are Better Than The Grammys," 14 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of comb

Middle English, from Old English camb; akin to Old High German kamb comb, Greek gomphos tooth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Fashion Terms

bodkin, chignon, cowlick, eau de toilette, imperial, pocket, pomander, tonsorial

comb

verb

Definition of comb

combed; combing; combs

transitive verb

1 : to draw a comb through for the purpose of arranging or cleaning

2 : to pass across with a scraping or raking action

3 a : to eliminate (as with a comb) by a thorough going-over

b : to search or examine systematically

police are combing the city

4 : to use in a combing action

intransitive verb

1 of a wave or its crest : to roll over or break into foam

2 : to make a thorough search

comb through the classified ads

See comb defined for English-language learners

Examples of comb in a Sentence

He combed back his hair.
The wool is combed before being spun into yarn.
We combed the beach for shells.

Recent Examples of comb from the Web

The Tribune combed through police files, court records and news reports to compile its own list.

— chicagotribune.com, "Almost nothing is known about dozens of concealed carry shootings in Illinois. Why?," 15 June 2018
Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) combed through the site Monday, joined by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

— christine clarridge, The Seattle Times, "5 family members die in explosion of their getaway cabin near Hood Canal, police say," 12 June 2018
To conduct the study, researchers combed books, articles, and the internet and asked local Africans in order to locate the biggest baobabs.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Africa’s strangest trees are stranger than thought—and they’re dying mysteriously," 11 June 2018
Officers combed the city on Sunday, from the old colonial section to the modern skyscrapers to the hotel on nearby Sentosa island where Trump and Kim will actually meet.

— david jackson, USA TODAY, "Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un arrive in Singapore for nuclear showdown," 10 June 2018
To arrive at that number, TIME combed over statements from the Trump campaign, transition team and administration and key figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani to isolate the major arguments.

— ryan teague beckwith, Time, "Read the 191 Arguments President Trump Has Made Against the Mueller Investigation," 7 June 2018
At least a dozen police officers combed the crime scene established near the corner of Claybourne and Dakota streets in the Fields Corner section.

— danny mcdonald, BostonGlobe.com, "Man shot to death in Dorchester, police say," 6 June 2018
The Root combed through more than 100 cases, complaints and appeals by people prosecuted by Morehead.

— michael harriot, The Root, "‘Evilest White Woman on Earth’: The Criminal Injustice of Terra Morehead," 6 June 2018
Crime Scene Investigators combed the area and found the girl’s skeletal remains.

— steve helling, PEOPLE.com, "Casey Anthony May Face Trial for Implying Man Who Discovered Caylee's Dead Body Killed Her," 5 June 2018

First Known Use of comb

14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

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comb Synonyms

comb

abbreviation

Definition of comb

1 combination; combined; combining

2 combustion

COMB Defined for English Language Learners

comb

noun

Definition of comb for English Language Learners

: a flat piece of plastic or metal with a row of thin teeth that is used for making hair neat
: a device that is used for separating or straightening fibers (such as wool fibers)
: a soft part on top of the head of some birds (such as chickens)