barnstorm

American  

[bahrn-stawrm] / ˈbɑrnˌstɔrm /

verb (used without object)

1. to conduct a campaign or speaking tour in rural areas by making brief stops in many small towns.

2. Theater. to tour small towns to stage theatrical performances.

3. (of a pilot) to give exhibitions of stunt flying, participate in airplane races, etc., in the course of touring country towns and rural areas.

4. (of a professional athletic team) to tour an area playing exhibition games after the regular season.

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verb (used with object)

1. to tour (various places) as a barnstormer.

barnstorm British  

/ ˈbɑːnˌstɔːm /

verb

1. to tour rural districts putting on shows, esp theatrical, athletic, or acrobatic shows

2. to tour rural districts making speeches in a political campaign

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Other Word Forms

• barnstormer noun
• barnstorming noun

Etymology

Origin of barnstorm

First recorded in 1880–85; barn ¹ + storm

Example Sentences

She is assessing the last few months, which saw her launch an entirely new White House campaign, vet a running-mate, lead a party convention and barnstorm the country in just 107 days.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2025

The polling comes as both Harris and Trump barnstorm across the swing states.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024

“Yes, yes! So now the barnstorm of people are going to flood my timeline and be a distraction to me for one of the biggest days of our game and I’m okay with that.”

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2024

Mr. Vance was asked by a reporter why he invited Ms. Greene and Mr. Gaetz to barnstorm through Ohio with him on the closing weekend of the primary campaign.

From New York Times • May 1, 2022

Way back, Paul Hendricks used to barnstorm county fairs in a wood-and-fabric biplane, giving thrill rides to sports and their girls at five dollars a couple, because he had been born sixty years too soon.

From The Planet Strappers by Gallun, Raymond Z.

Related Words

• canvass