First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1comb
noun \ˈkōm\
: a flat piece of plastic or metal with a row of thin teeth that is used for making hair neat
: a device that is used for separating or straightening fibers (such as wool fibers)
: a soft part on top of the head of some birds (such as chickens)
Full Definition of COMB
1
a : a toothed instrument used especially for adjusting, cleaning, or confining hair b : a structure resembling such a comb; especially : any of several toothed devices used in handling or ordering textile fibers c : currycomb
2
a : a fleshy crest on the head of the domestic chicken and other domestic birds b : something (as the ridge of a roof) resembling the comb of a cock
See comb defined for English-language learners
See comb defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of COMB
Middle English, from Old English camb; akin to Old High German kamb comb, Greek gomphos tooth
2comb
verb
: to smooth, arrange, or separate (hair or fibers) with a comb
: to search (something) very thoroughly in order to find something
Full Definition of COMB
transitive verb
1
: to draw a comb through for the purpose of arranging or cleaning
2
: to pass across with a scraping or raking action
3
a : to eliminate (as with a comb) by a thorough going-over b : to search or examine systematically <police are combing the city>
4
: to use in a combing action
intransitive verb
1
of a wave or its crest : to roll over or break into foam
2
: to make a thorough search <comb through the classified ads>
See comb defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of COMB
14th century
Related to COMB
- Synonyms
- search, dig (through), dredge, hunt (through), rake, ransack, rifle, rummage, scour, sort (through), troll
3comb
abbreviation
COMBED Defined for Kids
1comb
noun \ˈkōm\
Definition of COMB for Kids
1
: a toothed implement used to smooth and arrange the hair or worn in the hair to hold it in place
2
: a soft fleshy part on top of the head of a chicken or some related birds
3
2comb
verb
combedcomb·ing
Definition of COMB for Kids
1
: to smooth, arrange, or untangle with a comb
2
: to search over or through carefully <Police combed the building in search of evidence.>
Learn More About COMB
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: combassouPrevious Word in the Dictionary: coma vigilAll Words Near: comb
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up comb? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).