Why Do We Say 'Bark' for a Dog's Sound?

Dogs make sounds, and we gave them a name. A long time ago, people noticed that dogs made a loud noise when they were excited or trying to get attention. That sound reminded them of the bark of a tree, it was rough and sharp, just like a dog’s sound. So they used the word bark for what a dog makes.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A dog barks at a passing car just like a tree bark sounds rough.
  2. You hear a dog bark and think of a piece of tree bark in your hand.
  3. Your friend says, 'The dog barked at me!' and you imagine the sound being as sharp as bark.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity

Nothing here yet.

Categories: Culture · language· etymology· dogs