rhubarb

American  

[roo-bahrb] / ˈru bɑrb /

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Rheum, of the buckwheat family, as R. officinale, having a medicinal rhizome, and R. rhabarbarum, having edible leafstalks.

2. the rhizome of any medicinal species of this plant, forming a combined cathartic and astringent.

3. the edible, fleshy leafstalks of R. rhabarbarum, used in making pies, preserves, etc.

4. Slang. a quarrel or squabble.

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rhubarb British  

/ ˈruːbɑːb /

noun

1. any of several temperate and subtropical plants of the polygonaceous genus Rheum , esp R. rhaponticum ( common garden rhubarb ), which has long green and red acid-tasting edible leafstalks, usually eaten sweetened and cooked

2. the leafstalks of this plant

3. a related plant, Rheum officinale , of central Asia, having a bitter-tasting underground stem that can be dried and used medicinally as a laxative or astringent

4. slang a heated discussion or quarrel

5. the noise made by actors to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random

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verb

1. to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random

Usage

What is rhubarb? Rhubarb is a plant with edible leafstalks that are known for their use in making pies and preserves. This kind of rhubarb has a tart, tangy, sour flavor that’s often paired with sweet ingredients, such as in strawberry rhubarb pie. Rhubarb is also used as a slang term to refer to a fight or argument. This slang term is especially associated with baseball, as in The manager came out to argue the umpire’s call and it wasn’t long before it turned into a rhubarb with pointing and shouting. In the context of theater, the word rhubarb is used as a term for the noise made by actors to simulate conversation. For whatever reason, this is sometimes done by randomly repeating the word rhubarb. Rhubarb can also be used as a verb meaning to simulate conversation in this way. Example: Rhubarb has a very short growing season, so I like to use it in as many recipes as I can when it’s available.

Etymology

Origin of rhubarb

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rubarb, reubarb, from Old French r(e)ubarbe, from Medieval Latin reubarbarum, from Greek rhéon bárbaron “foreign rhubarb”

Example Sentences

OVG’s London-based subsidiary, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, will take the lead on the culinary offerings.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

"Rhubarb is so fascinating to me. I adore its colour and texture. It also means spring is near."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2024

Substitution for Rhubarb: Thawed, previously frozen cranberries work great as a substitute for rhubarb.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2024

The dog, Bobby Rhubarb, a shiny black cockapoo, greeted me with a waist-high leap when I visited Lewis recently at her home at the end of a wildflower-lined canyon road in the San Fernando Valley.

From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2023

Rhubarb and senna, your majesty; it is the only drink taken the day after the princess's birthday.

From St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, July 1878, No. 9 by Dodge, Mary Mapes