How to Pronounce Barb

To pronounce "barb", say BARB — one syllable, IPA /bɑː(ɹ)b/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

barb

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Accent

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/bɑː(ɹ)b/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “barb”

"barb" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with garb and rhubarb, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: barbe — easy to mix up when writing.

What does barb mean?

noun

  1. The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else.
  2. A hurtful or disparaging remark.

verb

  1. To furnish with barbs, or with that which will hold or hurt like barbs, as an arrow, fishhook, spear, etc.
  2. To cover a horse in armor, corrupted from bard.

Words that rhyme with barb

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

garbrhubarbfarbaldicarbcarb-arbbarbegarbegoldfarbgolfarb

Related words

shaftdigslamshotgibejibehookranch

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "barb"?▾

"Barb" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "barb"?▾

The IPA transcription of "barb" is /bɑː(ɹ)b/.

What does "barb" mean?▾

Barb: The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else.

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