barnacle

noun

bar·​na·​cle ˈbär-ni-kəl How to pronounce barnacle (audio)
1
: barnacle goose
2
[from a popular belief that the goose grew from the crustacean] : any of numerous marine crustaceans (subclass Cirripedia) with feathery appendages for gathering food that are free-swimming as larvae but permanently fixed (as to rocks, boat hulls, or whales) as adults
barnacled
ˈbär-ni-kəld How to pronounce barnacle (audio)
adjective

Illustration of barnacle

Illustration of barnacle
  • 1 peduncle
  • 2 cirri

Examples of barnacle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once a sea turtle begins to struggle, the barnacles and algae that latch onto its shell compound the problem. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026 Epibionts — barnacles, algae, other marine organisms — latch onto a turtle’s shell and body. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026 Before the era of metal ships, wooden vessels required constant scraping to remove flaking paint, barnacles, and weed buildup. — Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 Snapper, grouper, amberjack, and barracuda can patrol decks and passages, while coral, sponges, and barnacles create a habitat for smaller fish. — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barnacle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English barnakille, alteration of bernake, bernekke

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barnacle was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing barnacle

Browse Nearby Words

Barnaby bright
barnacle
barnacled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Barnacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barnacle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

barnacle

noun
bar·​na·​cle ˈbär-ni-kəl How to pronounce barnacle (audio)
: any of numerous small saltwater crustaceans with feathery outgrowths for gathering food that are free-swimming as larvae but as adults are permanently fastened (as to rocks or the bottoms of ships)
barnacled
-kəld How to pronounce barnacle (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on barnacle

Nglish: Translation of barnacle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barnacle

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