gar

¹ American  

[gahr] / gɑr /

noun

plural

gar,

plural

gars

1. Also called garfish, garpike.  any predaceous freshwater fish of the genus Lepisosteus, of North America, covered with hard, diamond-shaped scales and having long jaws with needlelike teeth.

2. needlefish.

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gar ² American  

[gahr] / gɑr /

verb (used with object)

garred, garring

1. Scot. to compel or force (someone) to do something.

2. Scot. and North England Obsolete. to do, perform, or cause.

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gar. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. garage.

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G.A.R. ⁴ American  

abbreviation

1. Grand Army of the Republic.

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gar ¹ British  

/ ɡɑː /

noun

1. short for garpike garfish

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gar ² British  

/ ɡɑːr /

verb

1. (tr) to cause or compel

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Etymology

Origin of gar¹

1755–65, shortened form of garfish

Origin of gar²

1250–1300; Middle English geren, garren, gairen < Old Norse gera to do, make; akin to Old English gearwian to prepare

Example Sentences

This has likely kept gar genomes so stable that species and even genera whose last common ancestor lived more than 100 million years ago have diverged very little.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 8, 2024

We grab our soap and wade out into the river’s side channel for a wash-up and dip before breakfast, hoping a gar doesn’t rub up against our legs with its jagged teeth and prehistoric scales.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2023

In Washington state, the unauthorized release of an alligator gar into state waters can be charged as a felony.

From Washington Post • Aug. 25, 2022

He also said voters had responded positively to his party's plans to cut VAT using the proceeds from a windfall tax on the profits of oil and gar companies.

From BBC • May 6, 2022

"They did for Santa- gar," the Hound continued.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• bayonet