b

1 of 3

noun

plural b's or bs ˈbēz How to pronounce b (audio)
often capitalized, often attributive
1
a
: the second letter of the English alphabet
names that begin with b
b
: a graphic representation of this letter
in the shape of a b
c
: the speech sound that the written letter b represents : a speech counterpart of orthographic b
2
: the seventh tone of a C-major scale (see scale entry 5 sense 1)
in the key of b
3
: a graphic device for reproducing the letter b
the b on the laptop's keyboard
4
: one designated b especially as the second in order or class
I chose option b.
5
a
: a grade rating a student's work as good but short of excellent
b
: one graded or rated with a B
a b student
6
: something shaped like the letter B
7
capitalized : the one of the four ABO blood groups characterized by the presence of antigens designated by the letter B and by the presence of antibodies against the antigens present in the A blood group

b

2 of 3

abbreviation

1
bachelor
2
bacillus
3
back
4
bag
5
bale
6
bass
7
basso
8
bat
9
Baumé
10
before
11
Bible
12
billion
13
bishop
14
black
15
blue
16
bolivar
17
book
18
born
19
bottom
20
brick
21
brightness
22
British
23
bulb
24
butut

B

3 of 3

symbol

boron

Examples of b in a Sentence

Noun There are two b's in the word “abbey.” All of their children's names begin with b. a song in the key of B got a B in math
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
There are certain nods to how a straightforward documentary would treat the interviews, like walks through neighborhoods and evocative b-roll. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024 High-, mid- and low-top versions of the Adidas Jabbar have all released—with the lows being particularly popular among b-boys (or breakdancers). Ian Servantes For Footwear News, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024 Therefore many were on the sidelines or short when the S&P reversed to the upside on September 11th, point b, in reaction to the CPI report. Tom Aspray, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Multispectral imaging clearly reveals the letters a, b, c, d, and e, according to Fagin Davis. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for b 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of b was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near b

Cite this Entry

“B.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/b. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

b

noun
ˈbē
often capitalized
1
: the second letter of the English alphabet
2
: a musical note referred to by the letter B : the seventh tone of a C-major scale
3
: a grade rating a student's work as good

Medical Definition

b

1 of 3 abbreviation
1
bacillus
2
barometric
3
bath
4
Baumé scale
5
behavior
6
bel
7
bicuspid
8
born
9
brother

B

2 of 3 noun
: the one of the four ABO blood groups characterized by the presence of antigens designated by the letter B and by the presence of antibodies against the antigens present in the A blood group

B

3 of 3 symbol
boron

More from Merriam-Webster on b

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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