barker

[bahr-ker]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR barker ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an animal or person that barks.

a person who stands before a theater, carnival sideshow, or the like, calling out its attractions to passers-by.

Origin of barker

First recorded in 1350–1400, barker is from the Middle English word berker, berkar. See bark¹, -er¹

barker

[bahr-ker]

noun

a person or thing that removes bark from trees.

a person or thing that prepares bark for tanning.

Origin of barker

1375–1425, earlier as surname; late Middle English. See bark² (v.), -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for barker

raconteur, orator, debater, lecturer, spokeswoman, mouthpiece, speechmaker, braggart, announcer, conversationalist, windbag, spokesman, spokesperson, blowhard, bragger, gossip, commentator, gasbag, bigmouth

Examples from the Web for barker

Contemporary Examples of barker

“I definitely think she has the potential,” Barker told PEOPLE in March.
The Famous Parents Modeling Club
Erin Cunningham
May 28, 2014
Barker: When reality TV became popular, the public began thinking of documentaries as entertainment.
Sony Pictures Classics’ Michael Barker and Tom Bernard on Woody Allen and the State of Indie Film
Richard Porton
May 22, 2014
Barker: We showed the film to [Cannes director] Thierry Frémaux, who was in L.A.
Sony Pictures Classics’ Michael Barker and Tom Bernard on Woody Allen and the State of Indie Film
Richard Porton
May 22, 2014
Barker: Also, the Sundance Film Festival has proved key to exposing people to so many quality documentaries.
Sony Pictures Classics’ Michael Barker and Tom Bernard on Woody Allen and the State of Indie Film
Richard Porton
May 22, 2014
Barker: I think that Woody was also surprised that Blue Jasmine did as well as it did because it was so dark.
Sony Pictures Classics’ Michael Barker and Tom Bernard on Woody Allen and the State of Indie Film
Richard Porton
May 22, 2014

Historical Examples of barker

So help me, if I had had a barker I'd have fired a shot across your bows.'
Micah Clarke
Arthur Conan Doyle
"It's Mr. Barker," exclaimed one of the ladies, regarding me brightly.
Ruggles of Red Gap
Harry Leon Wilson
Sea captains and ship owners were Stone & Barker's best customers.
Keziah Coffin
Joseph C. Lincoln
"The plundering was shameful," says Lieutenant Barker indignantly.
The Siege of Boston
Allen French
On the fifth of May Lieutenant Barker records the discovery of a "most shocking" plot.
The Siege of Boston
Allen French

British Dictionary definitions for barker

barker

noun

an animal or person that barks

a person who stands at a show, fair booth, etc, and loudly addresses passers-by to attract customers

barker

noun

a person or machine that removes bark from trees or logs or prepares it for tanning

Barker

noun

George (Granville). 1913–91, British poet: author of Calamiterror (1937) and The True Confession of George Barker (1950)

Howard . born 1946, British playwright: his plays include Claw (1975), The Castle (1985), A Hard Heart (1992), and 13 Objects (2003)

Ronnie, full name Ronald William George Barker . 1929–2005, British comedian: known esp for his partnership with Ronnie Corbett (born 1930) in the TV series The Two Ronnies (1971–85)

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

Word Origin and History for barker

"noisy fellow," late 15c., agent noun from bark (v.). Specific sense of "loud assistant in an auction, store, or show" is from 1690s.