barring

American

[bahr-ing] / ˈbɑr ɪŋ /

preposition

excepting; except for.

Barring accidents, I'll be there.

barring British

/ ˈbɑːrɪŋ /

preposition

unless (something) occurs; except for

barring rain, the match will be held tomorrow

"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

Etymology

Origin of barring

First recorded in 1475–85; bar ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But O’Connor goes even further, barring RIH from “encouraging” individuals who are not currently part of the case to seek protection from these courts.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

The stalking protection order was made on 7 January, barring Foley from contacting Doncaster-born Yungblud, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, or any members of his entourage.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Abel has described those four longstanding investments as core equity holdings that are unlikely to be changed barring major developments.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

The next day, National League president Chub Feeney ordered Turner to cede his post, citing a little-known rule barring managers from holding stock in their team.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Scythe Curie, however, stood in the doorway, barring his way.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023