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

But the result was the unforgettable and richly acrobatic barn dance sequence, which featured men cartwheeling on planks and wielding axes.

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2019

It has come a long way since the Grand Ole Opry barn dance became a radio hit in the 1940s, leading to a recording industry and stars from Hank Williams then to Taylor Swift today.

From The Guardian • Mar. 18, 2017

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

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes