Definition & Meaning of "beard"in English

Beard

NOUN

the hair that grow on the chin and sides of a man’s face

Examples

He decided to grow a beard for the first time to change his appearance.

He trimmed his beard to keep it neat and tidy.

1.1

a hairy growth on or near the face of certain mammals

Examples

The goat 's beard swayed as it chewed.

The lion 's beard was thick and golden.

a tuft of strong filaments by which certain shellfish, such as mussels, attach themselves to a surface

Examples

The mussel 's beard anchored it to the rock.

Divers found mussels clinging by their beards.

a person used as a date or partner to hide someone's sexual orientation

Slang

What is the origin and meaning of the word "beard"?

In LGBTQIA+ slang, a beard is a person who serves as a date, partner, or spouse to someone who is hiding their sexual orientation, often to avoid suspicion or social stigma. The term has been in use since at least the mid-20th century and is most commonly associated with closeted gay men dating women to appear heterosexual, though it can apply to any gender combination. While sometimes used humorously, it also reflects the pressures of heteronormativity and the lengths people may go to protect their privacy or safety.

Examples

She acted as his beard at the family gathering.

The celebrity attended the event with a beard to avoid rumors.

a tuft or fringe of hairs or bristles on certain plants, such as irises or grasses

Examples

The iris flower has a yellow beard on its petals.

Barley has a long beard on each grain.

to beard

VERB

to form or run along the edge or border of something in a way that resembles a beard around a chin

Transitive: to beard sth

Examples