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rhubarb

noun
rhu·​barb | \ ˈrü-ËŒbärb How to pronounce rhubarb (audio) \

Definition of rhubarb

1a : any of a genus (Rheum) of Asian plants of the buckwheat family having large leaves with thick petioles often used as food also : the petioles of rhubarb
b : the tart, succulent, usually pink or red petioles of rhubarb used especially in pies and preserves
2 : the dried rhizome and roots of any of various rhubarbs (such as Rheum officinale and R. palmatum) grown chiefly in temperate parts of China and used in folk medicine especially as a laxative, diuretic, and ulcer treatment
3 : a heated dispute or controversy
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Examples of rhubarb in a Sentence

The coach got into a rhubarb with the umpire. a basketball coach whose ranting rhubarbs with officials are the stuff of legend

Recent Examples on the Web

 The strawberry-rhubarb and chocolate-ganache-with-pecan pies were excellent. — Brian E. Clark, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Glamping at The Fields in Michigan includes tents with electricity, bathrooms and wood-fired stoves," 28 June 2019 The original recipe, which is still in use today, remains a secret, but does include both bitter and sweet oranges as well as rhubarb. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "The History of the Aperol Spritz," 24 Aug. 2019 His other bars and bonbons have ingredients like rhubarb and beetroot; black salted marzipan and heirloom apple spice. — Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, "Lobster and chocolate: Great tastes that go great together?," 19 Aug. 2019 Barbara Cameron won first place ribbons in blueberry, blackberry and rhubarb. — oregonlive.com, "Love and competition -- the key ingredients in Oregon mother-and-son’s pie bake-off," 15 Aug. 2019 The cocktail is a combination of Reposado Tequila, carrot juice, lime, rosemary tarragon syrup and rhubarb bitters, garnished with microgreens. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "The Dish: Opening Day tops this week’s events," 11 July 2019 The wine has a nice bit of juicy acidity to accompany flavors of raspberries, rhubarb, menthol and orange peel. — Michael Alberty | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive.com, "Columbia Gorge wineries release Eagle Creek Fire pinot noirs to raise funds for restoring hiking trails," 11 July 2019 Its main ingredient Aperol, the Italian aperitif made with bitter oranges, rhubarb, roots, and other ingredients, happens to be celebrating its 100th birthday this year. — Leena Kim, Town & Country, "10 Best Places to Drink Aperol Spritzes This Summer," 3 July 2019 Venders were selling rhubarb, strawberries, honey, watercress, and foie gras. — Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, "Can Emmanuel Macron Stem the Populist Tide?," 24 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rhubarb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rhubarb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for rhubarb

Middle English rubarbe, from Anglo-French reubarbe, from Medieval Latin reubarbarum, alteration of rha barbarum, literally, barbarian rhubarb

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More Definitions for rhubarb

rhubarb

noun
How to pronounce rhubarb (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of rhubarb

: a plant with large green leaves and with thick pink or red stems that are cooked and used in pies, jams, etc.
US, informal + old-fashioned : an angry argument

See the full definition for rhubarb in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rhubarb

noun
rhu·​barb | \ ˈrü-ËŒbärb How to pronounce rhubarb (audio) \

Kids Definition of rhubarb

: the thick juicy pink or red stems of a garden plant that have a tart flavor and are used cooked especially in jams and desserts

rhubarb

noun
rhu·​barb | \ ˈrü-ËŒbärb How to pronounce rhubarb (audio) \

Medical Definition of rhubarb

1 : any of several plants of the genus Rheum having large leaves with thick succulent petioles often used as food
2 : the dried rhizome and roots of any of several rhubarbs (especially Rheum officinale and R. palmatum) grown in China and Tibet and used as a purgative and stomachic

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More from Merriam-Webster on rhubarb

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rhubarb

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rhubarb

Spanish Central: Translation of rhubarb

Nglish: Translation of rhubarb for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rhubarb

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