Meaning
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.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
PIE word *bʰardʰéh₂ From Middle English barbe, from Middle French barbe, from Old French barbe (“beard, beard-like element”). Doublet of beard.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
barbelCarolina whitingking whitingsouthern kingcroakersouthern kingfishbarbleshotshaftslamdig
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 22 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-10-07ABDFLOR
- 2026-08-01RABCIKT
- 2026-07-29BADORTU
- 2026-06-17RABCKLO
- 2026-05-20ABODCKR
- 2026-04-17RNAMDBI
- 2026-02-16ABCKMOR
- 2025-08-24BATLIRY
- 2025-07-31BANILGR
- 2025-06-29RANGBIV
- 2025-02-15BRALIDJ
- 2024-10-10RAUGBLY
+10 earlier appearances in the archive.