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Added 7 October 2026

barb

/bɑː(ɹ)b/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about barb at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else.
A hurtful or disparaging remark.
to trade barbs
A beard, or that which resembles it, or grows in the place of it. A barbel on a fish's face.

verb

To furnish with barbs, or with that which will hold or hurt like barbs, as an arrow, fishhook, spear, etc.
To cut (hair).
To shave or dress the beard of.

noun

The Barbary horse, a superior breed introduced from Barbary into Spain by the Moors.
A blackish or dun variety of pigeon, originally brought from Barbary.

noun

A barbiturate.

Origin

PIE word *bʰardʰéh₂ From Middle English barbe, from Middle French barbe, from Old French barbe (“beard, beard-like element”). Doublet of beard.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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