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DictionarybarkSharp sound
noun / verb

bark

BARK/bɑːrk/

A short, sharp sound made by a dog or a person.

The dog barks with its head raised and forelegs braced.

A dog caught giving a sharp bark, with an abruptly opened muzzle, raised head and braced forelegs; tiny uncontained sound strokes emphasize the vocal burst without words.
Etymology
barkOld Englishto bark

Old English beorcan named the action of barking, and the noun named the sound produced. Its echoic origin connects the word with an imitation of an abrupt animal cry.

In context

Dog Behaviourist & Trainer | Nick Jones MA0:06
work out a dog's mood just by the sound of its bark
BBC H&W Radio. 11.12.15 A Dog's Mood and its Bark

More examples

  • A sharp bark came from the yard.
  • The coach barked an order across the field.
  • The puppy barked twice and settled down.

Forms

bark · barks · barked · barking

Similar words

yap
A short high-pitched bark.
snap
Speak sharply or angrily.