barbados
|bar-ba-dos|
🇺🇸
/bɑrˈbeɪdoʊz/
🇬🇧
/bɑːˈbeɪdəz/
Caribbean island nation (named for 'bearded' trees)
Etymology
'Barbados' originates from Portuguese and Spanish, specifically the word 'barbado(s)', where 'barba' meant 'beard'.
'Barbados' entered English in the 16th century from Iberian sailors' name for the island (Portuguese/Spanish 'Los Barbados' or 'barbados'), originally referring to the 'bearded' fig trees (with hanging aerial roots); it later became the established English name for the island and colony.
Initially, it meant 'the bearded ones' (a reference to trees with beard-like roots); over time it evolved into the proper name for the island and now denotes the modern country 'Barbados'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an island country in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea; an independent nation (capital: Bridgetown).
barbados is known for its beaches, music, and rum.
Noun 2
the island (physical landmass) of Barbados, distinct from political or historical senses.
The coral reefs surrounding barbados are important for marine life.
Noun 3
the former British colony and territory now independent as the state of Barbados (historical/political sense).
During the colonial era, barbados was an important sugar-producing colony.
Last updated: 2026/01/13 21:32