Added 9 October 2026 barbed /bɑː(ɹ)bd/ adjective Categories: Describing WordsRare Words adjective ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about barbed at Wordnik → Where our words come from → Capable of wounding. a barbed compliment Having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns or setae etc. a horse with a short bristly mane Related Words: pricklybristledbristlybitingnippingarmedpungentthornyspinyburrybarbellatebriary Back to today's word