What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
burrs
Example
The hiker had to carefully remove the burrs from his socks after walking through the field. [burrs: noun]
Example
Her sweater was covered in burrs after brushing against the thorny bush. [burrs: noun]
barb
Example
The fisherman carefully removed the barb from the fish's mouth before releasing it back into the water. [barb: noun]
Example
His comment was filled with barbs, causing her to feel hurt and upset. [barbs: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barb is more commonly used than burr in everyday language. Barb has a wider range of applications and can be used in various contexts, while burr is more specific to natural plant structures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between burrs and barb?
While burr is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, barb can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on its metaphorical usage.