barbel

American  

[bahr-buhl] / ˈbɑr bəl /

noun

1. a slender, external process on the jaw or other part of the head of certain fishes.

2. any of various cyprinoid fishes of the genus Barbus, especially B. barbus, of European waters.

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barbel British  

/ ˈbɑːbəl /

noun

1. any of several slender tactile spines or bristles that hang from the jaws of certain fishes, such as the catfish and carp

2. any of several European cyprinid fishes of the genus Barbus , esp B. barbus , that resemble the carp but have a longer body and pointed snout

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barbel Scientific  

/ bär′bəl /

1. A slender, whiskerlike feeler extending from the head of certain fish, such as the catfish. It is used for touch and taste.

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Etymology

Origin of barbel

1400–1450; late Middle English barbell < Middle French barbel ( French barbeau ) < Vulgar Latin *barbellus, equivalent to Late Latin barb ( us ) a barbel (fish) (akin to Latin barba beard ) + Latin -ellus -elle

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

barbel

Steven, from Barrow-Upon-Soar, Leicestershire, said he had been fishing for barbel on 23 February when he heard screams.

From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2026

As she grows, her eyes recede, and she blossoms huge teeth, rows of light-producing organs lining the body, and a barbel, a whisker-like chin projection.

From National Geographic ● Feb. 7, 2024

At Dianchi authorities are also trying to reintroduce more golden line barbel, a fish native to the lake almost wiped out by pollution and invasive species.

From Reuters ● Oct. 18, 2021

A look at beneficial collaborations between hippos and barbel fish, lizards and lions, and even people and honeyguide birds, which — who knew? — lead the way to beehives.

From New York Times ● May 11, 2016

Fish are caught in great numbers in the rivers and marshes, chiefly barbel and carp, and the latter attain so great a size that one is a sufficient load for an ass.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2 "Baconthorpe" to "Bankruptcy" by Various