Meaning & use
handlebar mustache
Last updated
UK/ˈhændlbɑː məˈstɑːʃ/
US/ˈhændlbɑːr ˈmʌstæʃ/
Meaning
nouncountable
A mustache with long, curved ends that turn upward, resembling bicycle handlebars.
Grammar: Countable; plural is 'handlebar mustaches'.
Patterns
- have a handlebar mustache
- grow a handlebar mustache
- wear a handlebar mustache
He grew a handlebar mustache for the costume party.
The old man twirled his handlebar mustache thoughtfully.
A handlebar mustache requires regular waxing to keep its shape.
Word forms
| plural | handlebar mustaches |
|---|
Common combinations
- twirl one's handlebar mustache
- The villain twirled his handlebar mustache as he laughed.
- grow a handlebar mustache
- He decided to grow a handlebar mustache for Movember.
- wax a handlebar mustache
- You need to wax a handlebar mustache to keep the ends pointed up.
Synonyms and how they differ
- handlebars
- Informal shortening; 'handlebars' alone can refer to the mustache, but it also means the steering bar of a bicycle.
Word family
- mustache noun
- The general term for facial hair above the upper lip.
Commonly confused: handlebar mustache or handlebar?
handlebar mustache vs handlebar
Without 'mustache', 'handlebar' usually refers to the steering bar of a bicycle.
Practice
What is a handlebar mustache?
Choose one answer.
A handlebar mustache is known for its long, curved ends that point upward, like bicycle handlebars. The other options describe different styles or lack of mustache.
Make it your own
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