This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
barbican
[ bahr-bi-kuhn ]
/ ˈbɑr bɪ kən /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
an outwork of a fortified place, as a castle.
a defensive outpost of any sort.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Also barbacan.
Origin of barbican
1250–1300; Middle English barbecan, barbican<Old French barbacane or Medieval Latin barbacana, perhaps ≪ Persian bālāḥāna terrace over a roof, upper floor, altered by association with Latin barbabeard, a beard marking the front or face of a thing
Words nearby barbican
barber-surgeon, Barberton, Barberton daisy, barbet, barbette, barbican, barbicel, Barbie, Barbie doll, bar billiards, Barbirolli
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use barbican in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for barbican (1 of 2)
barbican
/ (ˈbɑːbɪkən) /
noun
a walled outwork or tower to protect a gate or drawbridge of a fortification
a watchtower projecting from a fortification
Word Origin for barbican
C13: from Old French barbacane, from Medieval Latin barbacana, of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for barbican (2 of 2)
Barbican
/ (ˈbɑːbɪkən) /
noun
the Barbican a building complex in the City of London: includes residential developments and the Barbican Arts Centre (completed 1982) housing concert and exhibition halls, theatres, cinemas, etc
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012