1. a man who is known for marrying and murdering successive wives; a serial killer or abuser of women
Usage: often capitalized when referring to the legendary or historical figure; derived from the French folktale character Barbe Bleue
2. any man who is dangerously deceptive or violent toward women
Usage: figurative use; often used as a warning or cautionary reference

Examples

• The novel's protagonist discovers her new husband is a modern-day Bluebeard.
• Historians debate whether Bluebeard was based on a real medieval nobleman.
• She warned her friend that his controlling behavior made him seem like a bluebeard.
• The folktale of Bluebeard has been retold in countless adaptations.
• Police described the serial killer as a contemporary bluebeard preying on vulnerable women.