Barb

Quick meaning: Barb is a noun meaning (figuratively) A hurtful or disparaging remark.

Meaning

(figuratively) A hurtful or disparaging remark.

More Meanings

1. A beard, or that which resembles it, or grows in the place of it.
2. (ornithology) One of the many side branches of a feather, which collectively constitute the vane.
3. (ichthyology) Any of various species of freshwater carp-like fish that have barbels and belong to the cyprinid family.
4. (US) The sciaenid fish Menticirrhus americanus, found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States.
5. (botany) A hair or bristle ending in a double hook.
6. 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.
7. (obsolete) A muffler, worn by nuns and mourners.

Example Sentences

to trade barbs

Having two barbs or points.

His loftie steed with golden sell And goodly gorgeous barbes.

Undoubtedly—when Ingratitude barbs the Dart of Injury—the wound has double danger in it—

Word Forms

• barbs
• barbing
• barbed

Synonyms for barb

Depending on context, synonyms include barbel, barble, jibe, dig, slam, gibe.

Antonyms for barb

Common opposites include unsusceptible, insusceptible.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include shaft, dig, slam, gibe, jibe, hook.

Related Dictionary Tools