barbing
|bar-bing|
🇺🇸
/ˈbɑrbɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɑːbɪŋ/
(barb)
sharp projection
Etymology
'barb' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'barba', where it meant 'beard'.
'barba' changed into Old French 'barbe' and Middle English 'barbe', and eventually became the modern English word 'barb'.
Initially it meant 'beard', but over time it came to mean 'a projecting point or beard-like tuft' and, figuratively, 'a cutting or pointed remark'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the action or process of adding barbs (literal) or of making barbed remarks (figurative) — a gerund/nominal use of 'barb'.
The barbing of the fence ensured it would be harder for animals to climb over.
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Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'barb' — performing the action of making barbs (literally adding barbs or figuratively making cutting, sarcastic remarks).
She kept barbing her rival during the interview, which made the atmosphere tense.
Synonyms
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Last updated: 2026/01/14 16:54