: a sturdy inexpensive jackknife

Word History

Etymology

Barlow, family of 18th century English knife makers

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barlow was in 1779

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barlow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barlow. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a sturdy inexpensive jackknife
Etymology

named for Barlow, a family of 18th century English knife makers

Biographical Definition

Barlow

biographical name

Joel 1754–1812 American poet and diplomat
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