beard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “beard” mean?
The hair that grows on the lower part of a man's face, typically on the chin, cheeks, and jawline.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The hair that grows on the lower part of a man's face, typically on the chin, cheeks, and jawline.
Any growth or tuft of hair that resembles a man's facial hair, e.g., on an animal (a goat's beard), or a similar growth on plants (the beard of wheat). It can also refer to a person who openly represents a group or cause as a cover for its real, often hidden, leader or purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core noun meaning. The verb usage ('to beard') is archaic in both but slightly more likely to be encountered in historical/literary British contexts. Colloquial terms for styles (e.g., 'goatee', 'stubble') are identical.
Connotations
Connotations are largely identical, tied to masculinity, wisdom, trendiness, or sometimes untidiness. Both varieties use 'beard' as slang for a woman who dates or marries a gay man to conceal his sexuality.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. No notable frequency difference.
Grammar
How to Use “beard” in a Sentence
grow + a beardshave + off + [POSSESSIVE] + beardtrim + [POSSESSIVE] + beardbe + bearded (adj.)beard + the lion in his den (idiomatic verb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to beard the director in his office to demand an explanation.
- Few dared to beard the tyrannical landlord.
American English
- She bearded the committee in their chambers to present her petition.
- It was time to beard the lion in his den and ask for a raise.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- The bearded gentleman offered us help.
- A heavily-bearded face peered from the window.
American English
- The bearded dragon is a popular pet lizard.
- He's part of a bearded hipster band.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely discussed unless in contexts of company dress codes or personal grooming policies.
Academic
Mostly in historical, anthropological, or sociological studies (e.g., 'the significance of the beard in Victorian society').
Everyday
Very common in personal appearance discussions, fashion, and grooming.
Technical
In botany/biology (e.g., the awn or beard of barley; the beard of a mussel).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beard”
- Using 'beard' to include the moustache (it is separate). Saying 'hairs of the beard' instead of 'beard hair'. Incorrect verb pattern: *'I beard' (as a present tense verb) is extremely rare; use 'I have a beard'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not for natural facial hair. The term is specifically for male-pattern facial hair. Excessive hair growth on a woman's face would be described medically as 'hirsutism'.
A beard is intentionally grown and has significant length. Stubble is the short, rough hair that appears a day or two after shaving, before it becomes a proper beard.
Yes, but it's literary or archaic. 'To beard' means to confront someone boldly and directly, as in the idiom 'beard the lion in his den'.
It refers to a plant part, especially a grain or grass, that has a long, bristle-like appendage, called an 'awn'.
The hair that grows on the lower part of a man's face, typically on the chin, cheeks, and jawline.
Beard is usually neutral in register.
Beard: in British English it is pronounced /bɪəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “beard the lion in his den (confront someone powerful on their own ground)”
- “laugh in one's beard (laugh secretly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BEE landing on a man's EAR and then crawling down to his chin. The BEE+EAR+D helps spell BEARD.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BEARD IS A SIGN OF MATURITY/EXPERIENCE (e.g., 'He's the old beard of the engineering team'). A BEARD IS A DISGUISE/CAMOUFLAGE (from the slang term for a decoy partner).
Practice
Quiz
In modern slang, what can the term 'beard' refer to?