A barber is a person whose job is cutting and styling hair, especially men's and boys' hair. When you visit a barbershop, the barber might trim your hair with scissors and electric clippers, shape up your hairline, or give you a particular style like a crew cut or fade.

Barbers have existed for thousands of years. In medieval times, barbers didn't just cut hair: they also pulled teeth and performed minor surgeries, which is why the traditional barber pole has red and white stripes (representing blood and bandages). Today, barbers focus on hair and grooming.

A good barber becomes skilled at understanding what customers want and making conversation while they work. Many people return to the same barber for years, building a relationship of trust. The barbershop often becomes a neighborhood gathering place where people catch up on local news and events.

The word can also be a verb: to barber someone means to cut their hair. You might say your dad barbered your hair at home to save money, though it might not look quite as neat as a professional cut!