Meaning & Definition of word "Rhubarb"

Rhubarb

/ˈruːbɑːrb/

noun:

  • 1. A plant with large leaves and thick, fleshy, edible stalks, often used in pies and desserts.
    • Example: She made a delicious rhubarb pie for the summer picnic.
  • 2. The tart stalks of the rhubarb plant, which are used in cooking.
    • Example: The recipe called for fresh rhubarb, which can be tart and is best sweetened.
  • 3. A dispute or heated argument.
    • Example: There was a bit of rhubarb in the meeting when the budget cuts were announced.

verb:

  • 1. To argue or engage in a petty dispute.
    • Example: The neighbors would often rhubarb over trivial matters.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

rhubarb pie:

A dessert made primarily from rhubarb.

to have a rhubarb:

To engage in a dispute or argument.

Related Words

rheum:

A genus of plants that includes rhubarb.

sour:

A taste characteristic of rhubarb when raw.

Slang Meanings of rhubarb

Meaning: A quarrel or altercation.

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

Meaning: Discontent or dissent, often in a public setting.

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