Doesn't the word 'barber' only have one meaning?
I'd say yes.
This online dictionary shows two meanings, but one is a technical term and I have never heard "barber" used that way.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/barber
If you really want to study a vocabulary word, don't forget a good Etymology Dictionary:
barber Look up barber at Dictionary.com
early 14c., from Anglo-Fr. barbour (attested as a surname from 1221), from O.Fr. barbeor, barbieor (Mod.Fr. barbier, which has a more restricted sense than the English word), from V.L. *barbatorem, from L. barba "beard." Originally also regular practitioners of surgery and dentistry, they were restricted to haircutting and dentistry under Henry VIII. Barber-shop is from 1570s; in reference to close harmony male vocal quartets, it is attested from 1910.
Sra
weeelll yes and no. In the dictinary there are two, they're different and the same:
1.To trim or dress the hair or beard of.
2.Aperson whoose occupation is to trim or dress the hair or beard of customeres. (to trim or shave)
Actually, the word "barber" has more than one meaning. Let me explain how you can find multiple meanings of a word.
To determine the different meanings of a word like "barber," you can consult various sources. Here are a few ways:
1. Dictionary: Look up the word in a reliable dictionary, such as Merriam-Webster or Oxford English Dictionary. Dictionaries provide definitions and sometimes offer multiple meanings based on different contexts.
2. Thesaurus: Check a thesaurus to find synonyms or related words that might have similar meanings. While "barber" itself may have a primary meaning, related terms may provide additional contexts or nuances.
3. Context: Consider the word's usage in different contexts, such as literature, history, or specific industries. A word like "barber" may have distinct meanings in different fields. For example, in ancient times, barbers were also known as surgeons and performed minor medical procedures, like tooth extraction.
By exploring these different resources, you can uncover the various meanings a word like "barber" might have, and learn how it has evolved over time or how it is used in specific fields.