barnstorm
[ bahrn-stawrm ]
/ ˈbɑrnˌstɔrm /
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.
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Nearby words
Related formsbarn·storm·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for barnstormer
barnstorm
/ (ˈbɑːnˌstɔːm) /
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
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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.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper