beard
|beard|
🇺🇸
/bɪrd/
🇬🇧
/bɪəd/
having facial hair
Etymology
'beard' originates from Proto-Germanic, specifically the word '*bardaz', where the root meant 'beard' or 'facial hair'.
'beard' changed from Proto-Germanic '*bardaz' into Old English 'beard' (or 'beard/berd'), then to Middle English 'berd', and eventually became the modern English word 'beard'.
Initially, it meant 'facial hair' and this basic meaning has largely remained; over time it also developed figurative senses (e.g., a person used to conceal someone else's identity, or the verb sense 'to confront').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
hair that grows on the lower part of a man's face, especially on the chin and cheeks.
He stroked his beard thoughtfully.
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Noun 2
a person who acts as a false romantic partner to conceal someone else's sexual orientation or true relationship (slang).
His girlfriend was just a beard to hide his private life.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to confront or defy someone boldly, often in their own domain (e.g., 'to beard the lion in his den').
She decided to beard the management by raising the issue at the meeting.
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Last updated: 2025/11/27 08:39