<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the abrupt, harsh, explosive cry of a dog.</li><li>a similar sound made by another animal, as a fox.</li><li>a short, explosive sound, as of firearms: the bark of a revolver.</li><li>a brusque order, reply, etc.: The foreman's bark sent the idlers back to their machines.</li><li>a cough.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) (of a dog or other animal) to utter an abrupt, explosive cry or a series of such cries.</li><li>to make a similar sound: The big guns barked.</li><li>to speak or cry out sharply or gruffly: a man who barks at his children.</li><li>Informal. to advertise a theater performance, carnival sideshow, or the like, by standing at the entrance and calling out to passersby.</li><li>to cough.</li><li>(used with object) to utter in a harsh, shouting tone: barking orders at her subordinates.</li></ul>