English · Word Candidate

beard

/bɪəd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: beards · bearding · bearded

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Facial hair on the chin, cheeks, jaw and neck.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The cluster of small feathers at the base of the beak in some birds.

Noun

Examples

At this moment the cock began to play; he stuck out his beard, trailed his wings down by his legs, and made, with great solemnity and wavelike motions of his neck, a few steps forward on the branch, while he stuck up his tail and spread it out like a big wheel.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To boldly and bravely oppose or confront, often to the chagrin of the one being bearded.

Verb

Examples

Robin Hood is always shown as bearding the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To take by the beard; to seize, pluck, or pull the beard of (a man), in anger or contempt.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “beard” mean?

Facial hair on the chin, cheeks, jaw and neck.

Is “beard” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.