Meaning

(intransitive) To make a short, loud, explosive noise with the vocal organs (said of animals, especially dogs)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To make a short, loud, explosive noise with the vocal organs (said of animals, especially dogs).
2. (intransitive) To make a clamor; to make importunate outcries.
3. (transitive) To speak sharply.
4. The short, loud, explosive sound uttered by a dog, a fox, and some other animals.
5. (figuratively) An abrupt loud vocal utterance.
6. (music) The quick opening of the hi-hat cymbal as it is hit, followed by its timely closing.
7. The sound of a dog barking.
8. (countable, uncountable) The exterior covering of the trunk and branches of a tree or of various other woody plants.

Example Sentences

The neighbour's dog is always barking.

The seal barked as the zookeeper threw fish into its enclosure.

And therefore they bark, and say the scripture maketh heretics.

Where there is the barking of the belly, there no other commands will be heard, much less obeyed.

The sergeant barked an order.

Plainly he was prepared to bark out an interminable succession of charges against the Wanderer.

Sudden anger rose in him. “What I’m looking for,” he barked, “is to be left in peace.” His voice trembled with a rage far bigger than her intrusion merited, the rage which shocked him whenever it coursed through his nervous system, like a flood.

While McCarthy prowled the touchline barking orders, his opposite number watched on motionless and expressionless and, with 25 minutes to go, decided to throw on Nicolas Anelka for Kalou.

Word Forms

• barks
• barking
• barked
• barke
• barque

Synonyms for bark

Related Words

When Should You Use Bark?

Use bark when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions