barb

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of Askell’s most striking traits is her protectiveness over Claude, which she believes is learning that users often want to trick it into making mistakes, insult it and barb it with skepticism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Reba’s dig at Stracke’s son was the sort of casual, unthinking barb that plenty of Southern mothers have perfected, tossed into a group conversation as nonchalantly as a request for sweet tea.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2025

The bar was set on the day before the event when DeChambeau threw a cutting barb at McIlroy over his staggering collapse at the US Open in June.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2024

The “cat ladies” barb earned a spot in meme infamy this month when pop music megastar Taylor Swift endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and signed her online endorsement “Childless Cat Lady.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2024

The shaft floated on the water, but the pointed barb was held by the string which was tied to your wrist.

From "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell