Barb
/bɑːrb/
nounBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
A sharp projection, often used to hook or catch something.
/bɑːrb/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A sharp point, hook, or similar projection.
The fish struggled on the barb of the hook.
💡 Simply: A pointy hook
More Examples
2
The rose bush had sharp barbs.
How It's Used
Fishing
"The fisherman carefully removed the barb from the hook."
Weapons
"The arrowhead had a wicked barb."
2
A critical or sarcastic comment.
/bɑːrb/
nounnegativeIntermediate
General
A pointed or sarcastic remark.
Her words were laced with barbs.
💡 Simply: A mean or sarcastic comment
More Examples
2
He didn't mean to throw barbs, he was just joking.
How It's Used
Conversation
"He threw a barb at her comment."
Tip:A barb can hurt, just like a sarcastic remark.
From Middle English *barbe, from Old French *barbe, from Latin *barba "beard".
Historically, the word 'barb' was primarily used in reference to the sharp points of weapons or fishhooks.
Memory tip
Think of a barbed wire – it has sharp barbs.
Practice
barbebarp
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written