The word barb can have many meanings:

• A backward-facing point on a fishhook, arrowhead, or similar implement, rendering extraction from the victim's flesh more difficult. (This is perhaps the most common meaning.)
• A mean-spirited or spiteful remark, probably euphemistically named after the sharp object.
• A breed of dog, also known as the Australian Kelpie
• Several species of freshwater fish of the Cyprinid family, in particular those of genus Barbus, Puntius, Barbodes, Capoeta, or Barbonymus :see also Barb (fish species)
• A breed of horse from North Africa.
• A barbarian character in many socially driven games, like Everquest and City of Heroes
• An alternate spelling of barding, a type of armor for horses.
• Barbs, the branches issuing from the rachis of feathers.
• BARB, the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board.
• Barb, a shortened version of the name Barbara.