A barb is a sharp, pointed protrusion on an object or surface. It can also refer to a person who is difficult to get along with or someone who teases in a mean way.
Usage examples
The barb on the fishing hook easily caught the large fish.
The sharp barb on the wire fence prevented animals from crossing.
The wrestler's barb towards his opponent provoked a heated response.
She couldn't resist throwing a barb at her sister during their argument.
The politician's clever barb during the debate caught his opponent off guard.
In his sarcastic comment, he embedded a barb about her intelligence.
Her pointed remark carried a barb of truth that made everyone uncomfortable.
He placed a barb in his joke, causing his friends to burst into laughter.
The journalist's article was full of barbs aimed at corrupt politicians.
The snubbing comment from her colleague contained a subtle barb about her work ethic.
This can't be the same college student / aerospace engineer I had the pleasure of trading barbs with the other day.... (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
Hugh Laurie took aim at him after winning for his role in The Night Manager and host Jimmy Fallon aimed a number of barbs at the US election winner. (totalpolitics.com)
The lawmakers, all members of the Council's Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, have at various points traded barbs with Bratton. (politico.com)