comb

1 of 3

noun

ˈkōm 

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 (such as the ridge of a roof) resembling the comb of a cock

3

: honeycomb

combed

ˈkōmd 

adjective

comblike

ˈkōm-ˌlīk 

adjective

comb

2 of 3

verb

combed; combing; combs

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

comb

3 of 3

abbreviation

1

combination; combined; combining

2

combustion

Synonyms

Verb

• dig (through)
• dredge
• hunt (through)
• rake
• ransack
• rifle
• rummage
• scour
• search
• sort (through)
• troll

Examples of comb in a Sentence

Verb

He combed back his hair.

The wool is combed before being spun into yarn.

We combed the beach for shells.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Experts at Collins comb through their 20-billion-word database to make their annual list of new and notable words that represent the evolution of the English language. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024

Last, important legalities or contracts could soon be on your table, so be sure to read everything with a fine-toothed comb. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024

Verb

Our editors have polled retailers, combed through our reader’s favorite buys, and mined 2024 pop culture moments to select the gifts that will delight any recipient. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

His wig appears multi-tonal, with some black atop his trademark platinum, and combed down rather than tousled with spikes. —Natasha Gural, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English camb; akin to Old High German kamb comb, Greek gomphos tooth

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing comb

• comb jelly
• comb out
• comb-over
• fine-tooth comb
• go over/through (something) with a fine-tooth comb
• hot comb

Kids Definition

comb

1 of 2 noun

ˈkōm 

1

a

: a toothed implement used to smooth and arrange the hair or worn in the hair to hold it in place

b

: a toothed instrument used for separating fibers (as of wool or flax)

2

: a fleshy crest on the head of the domestic chicken and some related birds

3

: honeycomb entry 1

combed

ˈkōmd 

adjective

comb

2 of 2 verb

1

: to smooth, arrange, or untangle with a comb

comb one's hair

comb wool

2

: to go over or through carefully in search of something or someone

we combed the beach for shells