barbershop

1 of 2

noun

bar·​ber·​shop ˈbär-bər-ˌshäp How to pronounce barbershop (audio)
: a barber's place of business

barbershop

2 of 2

adjective

: of a style of unaccompanied group singing of popular songs usually marked by highly conventionalized close harmony

Examples of barbershop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Barbershop choir to sing at library The Music Men Chorus, North County’s barbershop a cappella choir, will perform at 1 p.m. June 4 at the Vista Branch of the San Diego County Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025 Now, the 38-year-old runs about 20 barbershops across the country, including three Chicano-style shops, and trains barbers such as Loc. Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Adjective
This unique fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent brings barbershop charm to your day, and sticks around for hours. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for barbershop

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from the old custom of men in barbershops forming quartets for impromptu singing of sentimental songs

First Known Use

Noun

1579, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbershop was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Barbershop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbershop. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

barbershop

noun
bar·​ber·​shop
ˈbär-bər-ˌshäp
: a barber's place of business
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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