1
: having barbs
2
: characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm
barbed witticisms

Examples of barbed in a Sentence

The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate. barbed satire on American academia
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The other eight prisoners who escaped from their cell and hopped the barbed wire fence to freedom have all been recaptured. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025 Sneakers hang by their laces from barbed wire, dangling above two motorbikes. Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 On Thursday, over 10 grueling hours behind the barbed wire of the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center, where Khalil is being held, his lawyers called on experts via videoconference to convince the judge to grant him asylum and set him free. Adrian Florido, NPR, 24 May 2025 The barbed posts divided fans — and the commentary also sparked tension between Perry and fellow musician Kesha, 38. Maria Pasquini, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for barbed

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbed was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbed. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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