barker

[ bahr-ker ]

See 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

Other definitions for barker (2 of 2)

barker²

[ 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. 2023

How to use barker in a sentence

For example, today is the First Annual Sausalito Bay to Barkers Cutest Dog Contest.
The Easygoing Flair of San Francisco | Jolie Hunt | April 10, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
Miss Barkers, who confined themselves to truth and did not approve of miscellaneous customers, throve notwithstanding.
Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 15 | Various
I say the élite, for Miss Barkers had caught the trick of the place, and piqued themselves upon their "aristocratic connection."
Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 15 | Various
Barkers Court was an industrious place for children, at least.
In Wild Rose Time | Amanda M. Douglas
But she could not take the heartfelt glow back to Barkers Court.
In Wild Rose Time | Amanda M. Douglas

She was almost at Barkers Court when a familiar whistle startled her.
In Wild Rose Time | Amanda M. Douglas

British Dictionary definitions for barker (1 of 3)

barker¹

/ (ˈbɑːkə) /

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

British Dictionary definitions for barker (2 of 3)

barker²

/ (ˈbɑːkə) /

noun

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

British Dictionary definitions for Barker (3 of 3)

Barker

/ (ˈbɑːkə) /

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

Browse