barbwire
|barbed-wire|
🇺🇸
/ˈbɑrbdˌwaɪɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɑːbdˌwaɪə/
(barbed wire)
wire with sharp barbs
Etymology
'barbed wire' originates from English compounds of 'barbed' + 'wire'. 'Barb' itself comes from Old French 'barbe' and Latin 'barba' meaning 'beard', where the sense shifted to a projecting point; 'wire' comes from Old English 'wīr' meaning 'metal thread.'
'barb' developed from Latin 'barba' → Old French 'barbe' meaning 'beard' and came to mean a projecting point; 'wire' comes from Old English 'wīr' (from Proto-Germanic). The compound 'barbed wire' arose in the 19th century (United States) as metal fencing with barbs was invented and became common.
Initially 'barb' meant 'beard' (Latin), but the meaning shifted to 'a projecting point' and 'barbed' came to mean 'furnished with barbs'; combined with 'wire' it came to mean 'wire fitted with sharp points' and specifically a type of fencing.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of fencing made from twisted strands of wire fitted with sharp metal barbs or points at intervals, used to prevent passage or trespass.
They wrapped the perimeter with barbwire to deter intruders.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a coil or length of such wire, or a fence constructed from it (used countably or uncountably).
The farm owned several rolls of barbwire for repairs.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/15 00:50