Rhubarb

/ˈruːbɑːrb/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A plant with large leaves and thick, fleshy, edible stalks, often used in pies and desserts.

She made a delicious rhubarb pie for the summer picnic.

The tart stalks of the rhubarb plant, which are used in cooking.

The recipe called for fresh rhubarb, which can be tart and is best sweetened.

A dispute or heated argument.

There was a bit of rhubarb in the meeting when the budget cuts were announced.

verb

To argue or engage in a petty dispute.

The neighbors would often rhubarb over trivial matters.

Middle English, from Latin 'rhabarbarum', from Greek 'rhabarbaron', referring to the plant.

rhubarb pie:

A dessert made primarily from rhubarb.

to have a rhubarb:

To engage in a dispute or argument.

A quarrel or altercation.

They got into a rhubarb over who should lead the project.

Discontent or dissent, often in a public setting.

There was a lot of rhubarb at the town hall meeting.