barbed

[ bahrbd ]
/ bɑrbd /

adjective

having barbs.
calculated to wound; cutting: a professor noted for his barbed criticisms.

Origin of barbed

First recorded in 1520–30; barb1 + -ed3

Definition for barbed (2 of 2)

barb 1
[ bahrb ]
/ bɑrb /

noun

verb (used with object)

to furnish with a barb or barbs.

Origin of barb

1
1300–50; Middle English barbe < Middle French ≪ Latin barba beard or beardlike projection

Example sentences from the Web for barbed

British Dictionary definitions for barbed (1 of 4)

barb 1
/ (bɑːb) /

noun

verb

(tr) to provide with a barb or barbs

Derived forms of barb

barbed, adjective

Word Origin for barb

C14: from Old French barbe beard, point, from Latin barba beard

British Dictionary definitions for barbed (2 of 4)

barb 2
/ (bɑːb) /

noun

a breed of horse of North African origin, similar to the Arab but less spirited

Word Origin for barb

C17: from French barbe, from Italian barbero a Barbary (horse)

British Dictionary definitions for barbed (3 of 4)

barb 3
/ (bɑːb) /

noun

Australian a black kelpie See kelpie 1

Word Origin for barb

C19: named after one that was named Barb after a winning racehorse

British Dictionary definitions for barbed (4 of 4)

BARB
/ (bɑːb) /

n acronym for (in Britain)

Broadcasters' Audience Research Board

Scientific definitions for barbed

barb
[ bärb ]

A sharp point projecting backward, as on the stinger of a bee.
One of the hairlike branches on the shaft of a feather.