Word
barrow
Phoneticsbar·row, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbæɹoʊ/
UK/bˈæɹəʊ/
Definitions
01a hand-cart
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun British English
n. a small cart with one or two wheels that you push or pull by hand to carry heavy things.
n. a small, hand-propelled vehicle used for transporting loads, often featuring a single wheel and two handles.
“The street vendor pushed his barrow full of fresh fruit through the market.”
“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.
Synonyms
02a burial mound
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technical · Literary
n. a large pile of earth or stones built over an ancient grave.
n. an artificial mound of earth and stones, especially one raised over an ancient burial site.
“Archaeologists discovered ancient pottery inside the grassy barrow on the hill.”
“The landscape was dotted with Neolithic barrows, silent monuments to a civilization that had inhabited the valley thousands of years prior.”
Teaching tip
This sense is common in British archaeology and historical literature; learners may encounter it when visiting heritage sites in the UK.
Synonyms
03a castrated pig
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a male pig that has been castrated before reaching maturity.
n. a male hog castrated before sexual maturity, typically raised for meat production.
“The farmer separated the barrows from the rest of the herd for feeding.”
“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.
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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