barn dance

American  

noun

1. a social gathering, originally held in a barn, and including square dances, round dances, and hoedown music.

2. any party featuring country dances, dress, music, etc.

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barn dance British  

noun

1. a progressive round country dance

2. a party with hoedown music and square-dancing

3. a party featuring country dancing

4. a disco or party held in a barn

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Etymology

Origin of barn dance

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

Another fundraising event, a Dance for Meg barn dance, will be held in her home town of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, on 12 August - on what would have been Ms Newborough's 26th birthday.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2023

And while the trailers for The Last of Us Part 2 depicted Ellie at a barn dance sharing a kiss with her girlfriend, it should have been clear this isn’t Life Is Strange.

From The Guardian • Jun. 24, 2020

When a round of construction was completed in 1954, Tiffany’s grandfather held a barn dance to celebrate.

From Washington Times • May 21, 2016

One of the many weekend festivals traditionally frequented by candidates, it offered a barn dance, a trail ride and a “fais do-do” dance party with zydeco and Cajun music.

From Washington Post • Oct. 21, 2015

One other thing happened at that barn dance that made a great impression on Johnny.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes