concertina wire

American  

[kon-ser-tee-nuh wahy^uhr] / ˌkɒn sərˈti nə ˌwaɪər /

noun

1. wire with razor-sharp edges or projections, placed in coils as a barrier along the tops of fences or walls, as at a prison, or on the ground to impede advancing enemy troops.

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Etymology

Origin of concertina wire

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Around a corner, the border came into full view — a metal turnstile with layers of concertina wire above it.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

The concertina wire used to barricade the road has been moved to one side and local people and flocks of sheep can be seen making their way down.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

The outsiders drove their pickup trucks slowly by the gate of the park, peering out their windows, looking past the concertina wire and National Guardsmen and state troopers for drama.

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2024

One she focused on came on Sept. 20, when agents cut new holes in concertina wire even though there was already a hole 15 feet away.

From Washington Times • Dec. 19, 2023

Beyond, coils of concertina wire topping a mesh fence further obscured the vista.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover