bark

bark · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, or seal.

  2. 2.

    The tough protective outer covering of a tree trunk and branches.

  3. 3.

    A short, harsh sound or utterance.

  4. 4.

    (Of a dog) to make its characteristic cry.

  5. 5.

    To speak sharply or harshly.

Forms

plural: barks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bark up the wrong tree — To pursue a mistaken course.
  • •
    one's bark is worse than one's bite — One is not as fierce as one seems.
  • •
    bark out — To say something sharply.

Related words

See also: dog, tree, yell
Synonyms: rind, yap, yelp

Etymology

Sound sense: From Old English beorcan ("to bark"). Tree covering sense: From Old Norse borkr.