Comb
/koʊm/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn implement with teeth for grooming hair.
/koʊm/
A toothed implement for untangling and arranging hair.
I need a comb to style my hair.
💡 Simply: A comb is like a tiny rake for your hair! It helps make your hair look neat and pretty, untangling knots and making it smooth. Just like how you use a rake to tidy up leaves, a comb helps to tidy up your hair.
👶 For kids: It's like a little rake for your hair!
More Examples
The dog's fur was so matted, it needed a wide-toothed comb.
How It's Used
"She used a comb to detangle her hair."
To use a comb to arrange or straighten hair.
/koʊm/
To arrange (hair) with a comb.
I need to comb my hair before I go out.
💡 Simply: Combing is like brushing your hair with a special tool to make it look nice and neat. It's like smoothing out wrinkles in your clothes – combing smooths out tangles in your hair.
👶 For kids: To use a comb to make your hair look nice.
More Examples
He carefully combed his beard.
How It's Used
"She combed her daughter's hair before school."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
fine-tooth comb
To search thoroughly and meticulously.
"We went over the report with a fine-tooth comb to make sure there were no errors."
From Old English *camb, from Proto-Germanic *kampaz.
The word 'comb' has been used in its current sense since Old English times, primarily relating to hair care.
Memory tip
Think of a hen's comb - it's toothed and helps with grooming.
Word Origin
"toothed instrument"