barber pole

American  

Or barber's pole

noun

1. a pole with red and white spiral stripes symbolizing the barber's former sideline of surgery.

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Etymology

Origin of barber pole

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

“These guys need to be able to let loose and express themselves and their emotions,” said Matt, a mentor who cuts hair at a wing that includes two seats and a barber pole.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2023

Giroux runs a traditional shop, with an antique barber pole in the front window.

From Washington Times • Nov. 5, 2018

I stopped to look at my new favorite tree: a sycamore on the northeast corner of the park, its gray-white bark smooth and striped like a barber pole.

From Washington Post • Jun. 12, 2016

A floor mat in front said “Eli’s Chop Shop,” alongside a tricolored barber pole.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 20, 2015

But halfway down the block from the bus stop there was a barber pole reflecting a candy cane of light from the window.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes