rhubarb

noun

rhu·​barb ˈrü-ˌbärb 

1

a

: any of a genus (Rheum) of Asian plants of the buckwheat family having large leaves with thick petioles often used as food

also : the petioles of rhubarb

b

: the tart, succulent, usually pink or red petioles of rhubarb used especially in pies and preserves

2

: the dried rhizome and roots of any of various rhubarbs (such as Rheum officinale and R. palmatum) grown chiefly in temperate parts of China and used in folk medicine especially as a laxative, diuretic, and ulcer treatment

3

: a heated dispute or controversy

Synonyms of rhubarb

• quarrel
• dispute
• altercation
• fight
• controversy
• disagreement
• argument
• row
• cross fire

Examples of rhubarb in a Sentence

The coach got into a rhubarb with the umpire.

a basketball coach whose ranting rhubarbs with officials are the stuff of legend

Recent Examples on the Web

Bakery Pick up some America 250 cake doughnuts covered with icing and red, white and blue sprinkles, or other treats perfect for a backyard celebration like strawberry and cheese coffee cake, banana whip cream pie and strawberry-rhubarb pie. — Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, rhubarb, water, sugar, ginger, and pink peppercorns. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026

Gardeners in warmer climates may find rhubarb more challenging to grow, as high temperatures can cause plants to go dormant. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026

There’s everything from herbals like rhubarb and nettle to green teas and Fortnum’s own signature blends, like Wedding Breakfast or Jubilee, devised in honor of the Queen’s Diamond celebrations in 2012. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rubarbe, from Anglo-French reubarbe, from Medieval Latin reubarbarum, alteration of rha barbarum, literally, barbarian rhubarb

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for rhubarb

• aldicarb
• arb
• barb
• barbe
• garb

Kids Definition

rhubarb

noun

rhu·​barb ˈrü-ˌbärb 

1

: a plant related to buckwheat and having large green leaves with thick juicy pink or red stems that are used for food

2

: a heated dispute or argument

Medical Definition

rhubarb

noun

rhu·​barb ˈrü-ˌbärb 

1

: any of several plants of the genus Rheum having large leaves with thick succulent petioles often used as food

2

: the dried rhizome and roots of any of several rhubarbs (especially Rheum officinale and R. palmatum) grown in China and Tibet and used as a purgative and stomachic