English Reference
noun

barrow

n.
US /ˈbæɹoʊ/ UK /bˈæɹəʊ/ bar·row UK spelling barrows

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate British English

    a small cart with one or two wheels that you push or pull by hand to carry heavy things.

    a small, hand-propelled vehicle used for transporting loads, often featuring a single wheel and two handles.

    Simple

    The street vendor pushed his barrow full of fresh fruit through the market.

    In context

    The construction worker loaded the barrow with wet cement, carefully balancing the weight before navigating the narrow scaffolding.

    Usage

    Often used as a shortening of 'wheelbarrow' or to describe a vendor's cart.

    wheelbarrowhandcarttrolley
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate TechnicalLiterary

    a large pile of earth or stones built over an ancient grave.

    an artificial mound of earth and stones, especially one raised over an ancient burial site.

    Simple

    Archaeologists discovered ancient pottery inside the grassy barrow on the hill.

    In context

    The landscape was dotted with Neolithic barrows, silent monuments to a civilization that had inhabited the valley thousands of years prior.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is common in British archaeology and historical literature; learners may encounter it when visiting heritage sites in the UK.

    moundtumulus
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical

    a male pig that has been castrated before reaching maturity.

    a male hog castrated before sexual maturity, typically raised for meat production.

    Simple

    The farmer separated the barrows from the rest of the herd for feeding.

    In context

    In commercial swine production, barrows are often preferred over boars due to the absence of 'boar taint' in the meat.

    Usage

    Used primarily in agricultural and livestock contexts.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated