bar

Transitive Verb[C/U] Both

pl: barspast: barredpp: barreding: barring

The word carries a strong sense of physical or legal obstruction. When used as a verb, it evokes the image of a heavy bolt sliding into place, creating an impassable barrier. This translates into social or professional contexts as a hard, non-negotiable exclusion. In its noun forms, the word shifts between the tangible (metal, soap, chocolate) and the social (the pub, the legal profession). The transition from a physical counter to the entire establishment, and then to the legal guild, shows how a single point of interaction evolved into a symbol of an entire industry.

Countable when referring to distinct objects like a chocolate bar or a metal rod. Uncountable when referring to the legal profession as a collective entity.

Meanings

Noun

A long, rigid piece of metal or wood.

"The prisoner gripped the iron bar."

Noun

An establishment that serves alcoholic drinks.

"We met at a quiet bar downtown."

Noun

A solid rectangular block of a substance.

"She bought a bar of dark chocolate."

Noun

A counter where drinks are served.

"He leaned against the bar while waiting."

Noun

A legal professional or the collective body of lawyers.

"He was admitted to the bar last year."

Noun

A graphical representation of data in a chart.

"The bar for July shows a significant increase."

Noun

A musical measure containing a specific number of beats.

"The song changes key at the fourth bar."

Transitive Verb

[something]

To prevent or prohibit someone from entering.

"The heavy gate bars the entrance to the castle."

Transitive Verb

[someone]

To officially exclude someone from a place or activity.

"He was barred from the club for fighting."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026•Report an Error