barnstorm

[bahrn-stawrm]

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verb (used without object)

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

Theater. to tour small towns to stage theatrical performances.

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

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

verb (used with object)

to tour (various places) as a barnstormer.

Origin of barnstorm

First recorded in 1880–85; barn¹ + storm

Related formsbarn·storm·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for barnstormer

navigator, flier, pilot, passenger, tourist, commuter, adventurer, migrant, sailor, pilgrim, hiker, star, artist, character, clown, player, villain, comedian, entertainer, performer

British Dictionary definitions for barnstormer

barnstorm

verb (intr)

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

mainly US and Canadian to tour rural districts making speeches in a political campaign

Derived Formsbarnstormer, nounbarnstorming, noun, adjective

Word Origin for barnstorm

C19: from barn 1 + storm (vb); from the performances often being in barns

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for barnstormer

barnstorm

1815, in reference to a theatrical troupe's performances in upstate New York barns (usually featuring short action pieces to suit vulgar tastes); extended 1896 to electioneering, 1928 to itinerant airplane pilots who performed stunts at fairs and races. Related: Barnstormed; barnstorming.