United States composer (1910-1981)
"The American composer Barber wrote his famous Adagio for Strings during World War II."
a hairdresser who cuts hair and shaves beards as a trade
"The local barber carefully trimmed my son's bangs and shaved his beard before leaving for school."
A person whose profession is cutting (usually male) customers' hair and beards.
"The local barber spent twenty minutes carefully trimming my beard and shaping my haircut."
In plain English: A barber is someone who cuts hair and shaves faces for money.
"He went to his neighborhood barber for a quick haircut before work."
Usage: A barber typically refers to someone who cuts men's hair, though many now serve all genders. The term can also function as a verb when describing the act of cutting another person's hair or facial hair professionally.
perform the services of a barber: cut the hair and/or beard of
"The local man decided to open his own shop so he could officially perform the services of a barber by cutting hair and beards."
To cut the hair or beard of (a person).
"The barber carefully trimmed my beard while I waited in his chair."
In plain English: To barber something means to cut it with scissors or clippers, usually hair.
"He decided to let his barber trim just enough hair before the big game."
An occupational surname, from occupations for a barber.
"The historical record shows that the name Barber was adopted by many families as an occupational surname derived from their ancestors' work as barbers."
The word "barber" comes from the Latin word for beard and entered Middle English through Anglo-Norman as a term specifically referring to someone who cuts beards. Over time, its meaning broadened in English to include anyone who provides general haircuts and grooming services.