barbering
|bar-ber-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈbɑːrbərɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɑːbə(r)ɪŋ/
(barber)
hair cutting
Etymology
'barbering' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'barbier', where 'barb-' meant 'beard'.
'barbier' changed into Middle English forms such as 'barbour'/'barber' and eventually became the modern English word 'barber', from which the gerund 'barbering' developed.
Initially, it meant 'one who trims beards', but over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'cutting, trimming, and styling hair' and the broader profession.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the occupation or practice of a barber; cutting, trimming, and styling hair and beards.
Barbering requires skill with scissors and clippers.
Synonyms
Noun 2
(historical, chiefly) The performance by barbers of minor medical procedures (e.g. bloodletting, minor surgery) when barbers also acted as surgeons.
In medieval Europe, barbering often included bloodletting and minor surgical work.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/14 11:46