barb Meaning & Definition
What Does Barb Mean?
Barb is a noun that means a medieval cloth headdress passing over or under the chin and covering the neck. It can also mean a sharp projection extending backward (as from the point of an arrow or fishhook) and preventing easy extraction. As a verb, it means to furnish with a barb.
Barb: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈbärb/ |
| Synonyms | jibe, dig and slam |
| Antonyms | unsusceptible, insusceptible and accolade |
| Plural | barbs |
| Verb forms | barbs, barbing, barbed |
Barb Definition (Noun)
- a medieval cloth headdress passing over or under the chin and covering the neck
- a sharp projection extending backward (as from the point of an arrow or fishhook) and preventing easy extraction
- a sharp projection with its point similarly oblique to something else
- a biting or pointedly critical remark or comment
- barbel:2
- any of the side branches of the shaft of a feather see feather
- a plant hair or bristle ending in a hook
Barb as a Verb
- to furnish with a barb
Noun
- any of a northern African breed of horses that are noted for speed and endurance
Noun
- barbiturate
Synonyms of Barb
Antonyms of Barb
Barb in a Sentence
to trade barbs
delivered one last barb to his ex-girlfriend as he stalked away
Word Forms & Grammar
barb·less adjective
barb
barbless
barbs
barbed
barb·ing
barbing
barb (plural barbs)
barb (third-person singular simple present barbs, present participle barbing, simple past and past participle barbed)
Words That Rhyme With Barb
Origin of Barb
Origin 1: Middle English barbe barb, beard, from Anglo-French, from Latin barba beard
Origin 2: French barbe, from Italian barbero, from barbero of Barbary, from Barberia Barbary, coastal region in Africa
Origin 3: From Middle English barbe, from Middle French barbe, from Old French barbe (“beard, beard-like element”). Doublet of beard.
Origin 4: Clipping of Barbary.
Origin 5: Clipping of barbiturate.
Origin 6: Corruption of bard.
First Known Use
14th century
1759
circa 1610
1955
Quick Answers About Barb
Is barb a noun or a verb?
Barb is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for barb?
You can replace barb with words such as jibe, dig and slam. See the full list of barb synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of barb?
Words opposite in meaning to barb are unsusceptible, insusceptible, accolade and commendation.
What is the plural of barb?
The plural of barb is barbs.
What is the past tense of barb?
The past tense of barb is barbed. The present participle is barbing.