bar - Dictionary definition and pronunciation

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bar¹
bars on a shield

bar ¹

(bär) KEY

NOUN:

A relatively long, straight, rigid piece of solid material used as a fastener, support, barrier, or structural or mechanical member.
1. A solid oblong block of a substance, such as soap or candy.
2. A rectangular block of a precious metal.
Sports
1. A horizontal bar
2. A horizontal rod that marks the height to be cleared in high jumping or pole vaulting.
A standard, expectation, or degree of requirement: a leader whose example set a high bar for others.
Something that impedes or prevents action or progress. See Synonyms at obstacle.
A ridge, as of sand or gravel, on a shore or streambed, that is formed by the action of tides or currents.
A narrow marking, as a stripe or band.
1. A narrow metal or embroidered strip worn on a military uniform indicating rank or service.
2. Chiefly British A small insignia worn on a military decoration indicating that it has been awarded an additional time.
Heraldry A pair of horizontal parallel lines drawn across a shield.
Law
1. The nullification, defeat, or prevention of a claim or action.
2. The process by which nullification, defeat, or prevention is achieved.
The railing in a courtroom enclosing the part of the room where the judges and lawyers sit, witnesses are heard, and prisoners are tried.
A place of judgment; a tribunal.
Law
1. Attorneys considered as a group.
2. The profession of law.
Music
1. A vertical line drawn through a staff to mark off a measure.
2. A measure.
Variant of barre.
1. A counter at which drinks, especially alcoholic drinks, and sometimes food, are served.
2. An establishment or room having such a counter.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
barred , bar·ring , bars

To fasten securely with a long, straight, rigid piece of material.
To shut in or out with or as if with bars.
To obstruct or impede; block.
To keep out; exclude. See Synonyms at hinder ¹.
To rule out; except.
To mark with stripes or bands.
Law To stop (a claim or action) by objection.

PREPOSITION:

Except for; excluding: This was your best performance, bar none.

IDIOM:
behind bars

In prison.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English barre, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *barra

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Definition of bar