barn raising

noun

1. (in rural areas) a party, usually providing food, drink, etc., for the purpose of assisting a neighbor to put up a new barn.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barn raising¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Pastor Schatz from the Lutheran church had recently organized a barn raising.

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But as traditional modes of gathering — such as barn raising, knitting circles and church attendance — have declined, loneliness has increased, Cole said.

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On the first day, we were on the barn raising set, which is basically the focal point of the movie.

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"When people set out a spread for a barn raising or a church supper or anything like that, there's an element of like — okay, you know in Korean food there's banchan, all the little side dishes?" she said.

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“We can try to understand what is going on. We can support people and families. We can and we will. It is like a barn raising.”

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