Barbershop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barbershop

[ˈbɑːbərʃɒp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

place

A barbershop is a place where men can go to get their hair cut and styled, as well as receive other grooming services such as shaving and beard trimming.

Synonyms

barber shop, hair salon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barbershop	This word is commonly used in American English to refer to a place where men primarily go to get their hair cut and facial hair groomed, often by barbers. It has a casual and traditional feel. I'll go to the barbershop this weekend for a trim. The barbershop around the corner has been there for decades.
barber shop	This term is more formal and can be used interchangeably with 'barbershop'. It still refers to a place primarily for men's haircuts and grooming. The space can resemble a classic or modern atmosphere, but it's less casual than just 'barbershop'. He decided to open a traditional barber shop in his neighborhood. After his haircut at the local barber shop, he felt brand new.
hair salon	Use this word when referring to a place that offers more diverse hair and beauty services, usually catering to both men and women. Services often include haircuts, coloring, styling, and sometimes even skincare. She has an appointment at the hair salon for a hair color and cut. The new hair salon downtown has excellent reviews.

Word

Description / Examples

barbershop

This word is commonly used in American English to refer to a place where men primarily go to get their hair cut and facial hair groomed, often by barbers. It has a casual and traditional feel.

I'll go to the barbershop this weekend for a trim.
The barbershop around the corner has been there for decades.

barber shop

This term is more formal and can be used interchangeably with 'barbershop'. It still refers to a place primarily for men's haircuts and grooming. The space can resemble a classic or modern atmosphere, but it's less casual than just 'barbershop'.

He decided to open a traditional barber shop in his neighborhood.
After his haircut at the local barber shop, he felt brand new.

hair salon

Use this word when referring to a place that offers more diverse hair and beauty services, usually catering to both men and women. Services often include haircuts, coloring, styling, and sometimes even skincare.

She has an appointment at the hair salon for a hair color and cut.
The new hair salon downtown has excellent reviews.

Examples of usage

I'm going to the barbershop to get a haircut today.
The barbershop on the corner is always busy on weekends.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

music

Barbershop music is a style of a cappella singing characterized by four-part harmony, with the melody usually sung by the lead voice and the tenor, baritone, and bass voices providing the supporting harmonies.

Synonyms

a cappella music, harmony singing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barbershop	Refers specifically to a place where men get their hair cut. It is also used to describe a style of a cappella music typically performed by a quartet, characterized by close harmony. He went to the barbershop to get a trim They enjoy singing barbershop music at family gatherings
a cappella music	Used when describing vocal music without instrumental accompaniment. Suitable for talking about any genre or group performing this style. She joined an a cappella music group in college The performance will feature a cappella music from various cultures
harmony singing	Refers to any kind of singing where multiple parts harmonize with each other. This term can apply broadly to different musical styles, not just barbershop. The choir is known for their beautiful harmony singing Harmony singing requires a lot of practice and coordination

Word

Description / Examples

barbershop

Refers specifically to a place where men get their hair cut. It is also used to describe a style of a cappella music typically performed by a quartet, characterized by close harmony.

He went to the barbershop to get a trim
They enjoy singing barbershop music at family gatherings

a cappella music

Used when describing vocal music without instrumental accompaniment. Suitable for talking about any genre or group performing this style.

She joined an a cappella music group in college
The performance will feature a cappella music from various cultures

harmony singing

Refers to any kind of singing where multiple parts harmonize with each other. This term can apply broadly to different musical styles, not just barbershop.

The choir is known for their beautiful harmony singing
Harmony singing requires a lot of practice and coordination

Examples of usage

The barbershop quartet sang a beautiful rendition of the classic song.
She enjoys listening to barbershop music for its nostalgic feel.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'barbershop'

The term 'barbershop' originated from the combination of 'barber' and 'shop', referring to a place where barbers provide their services. Barbershops have been an integral part of grooming and socializing for men throughout history, dating back to ancient times. In the early 20th century, barbershops became popular meeting places for men to discuss news, sports, and local events while getting a haircut. The term 'barbershop' is also used in music to describe a style of close harmony singing that has its roots in African-American communities.