the abrupt, harsh, explosive cry of a dog.

a similar sound made by another animal, as a fox.

a short, explosive sound, as of firearms

the bark of a revolver.

a brusque order, reply, etc.

The foreman's bark sent the idlers back to their machines.

a cough.

(of a dog or other animal) to utter an abrupt, explosive cry or a series of such cries.

to make a similar sound

The big guns barked.

to speak or cry out sharply or gruffly

a man who barks at his children.

Informal . to advertise a theater performance, carnival sideshow, or the like, by standing at the entrance and calling out to passersby.

to cough.

to utter in a harsh, shouting tone

barking orders at her subordinates.

bark at the moon

to protest in vain

Telling her that she's misinformed is just barking at the moon.

bark up the wrong tree

to assail or pursue the wrong person or object; misdirect one's efforts

If he expects me to get him a job, he's barking up the wrong tree.

noun

case , casing , coat , cortex , crust , husk , peeling , rind , shell , skin , bay , growl , grunt , howl , roar , snarl , woof , yap , yip , bang , clap , crack , explosion , pop , rat-a-tat-tat , snap , covering , decortication , hull , warp

verb

arf , bay , cry , gnarl , growl , howl , snap , snarl , woof , yap , yip , bawl , bellow , clamor , grumble , mutter , roar , yell , bang , clap , pop , abrade , bag , cortex , cough , covering , decorticate , flay , girdle , holler , peel , rind , ringbark , rub , shell , shout , skin , solicit , yelp