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

The show, a touring tutorial he created and performs solo, allows Page the opportunity to animate with barnstorming crackle a rogue’s gallery of Shakespearean scoundrels.

From Los Angeles Times

The star recently wrapped up a barnstorming concert residency in Puerto Rico; and is about to kick off his world tour in the Dominican Republic.

From BBC

The duo, crucial to PSG's barnstorming treble last season, watched on from the bench as PSG took the lead after just seven minutes.

From Barron's

A Japanese publishing magnate sponsored a 1934 barnstorming tour led by Babe Ruth.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking back on the barnstorming trip, Fouts said, “The fact that we played in the first game outside of North America, that is a source of pride.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• canvass