Beard Meaning and Definition
Beard
Pronunciation
/bɜrd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A growth of hair on the chin, cheek, or lip, especially one that is thick and curled, often regarded as a symbol of wisdom, dignity, or masculinity.
Examples
- The man had a long and impressive beard.
- Heritage beards were a key style trend last season.
Synonyms
- Whiskers
- Chin strap
Antonyms
- Bald
- Shaven
Additional Information
Beards have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with evidence of bearded individuals dating back to ancient civilizations. Today, beards are often seen as a symbol of masculinity and are popular among men of all ages and backgrounds.
Care and maintenance of beards require regular grooming, including washing, conditioning, and trimming. Some people may grow their beards long and curly, while others may prefer a short, neatly trimmed beard.
Etymology
The word “beard” comes from the Old English words “beard” and “bear”, meaning “to bear” or “to wear”. This refers to the way in which a beard is worn or grown.
Usage Notes
When referring to a person’s beard, it is common to use the phrase “he has a beard” or “she has a beard”, rather than “he wears a beard” or “she wears a beard”.
Cultural References
In the movie “The Princess Bride”, the character of Westley sports a distinctive beard, which becomes a defining characteristic of his.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “To grow a beard” means to grow one’s hair on the face, particularly the chin or cheeks.
- “To shave one’s beard” means to remove facial hair by shaving.
Related Words or Phrases
- Moustache
- Sideburns
- Facial hair
Collocations
- Beard trimmer
- Beard oil
- Beard balm
Frequency of Use
The word “beard” is a common noun and is used frequently in everyday language, particularly in references to facial hair or grooming.
Common Misspellings
- Beared
- Beare