Standard Lemma guide

barnstorm

noun · verb · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːnstɔːm/
  • General-American: /ˈbɑɹnstɔɹm/
  • CMU ARPABET: B AA1 R N S T AO2 R M Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A series of appearances in small country towns, as by a politician or a travelling theatre group.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To travel around the countryside making political speeches etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To appear at fairs and carnivals in exhibitions of stunt flying, sporting events, or theater.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To travel from town to town performing in front of small crowds.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

tour the country making political speeches, giving lectures, or presenting plays

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The presidential candidates are busy barnstorming this month

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: perform

6

verb

Meaning 6

appear at county fairs and carnivals as a stunt flier and parachute jumper

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: perform

History

Etymology

From barn + storm (due to performances commonly delivered in barns).

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: objíždět vesnice — to travel around the countryside making political speeches etc.
  • Hungarian: korteskörútra/kampánykörútra megy — to travel around the countryside making political speeches etc.
  • Hungarian: korteskörúton/kampánykörúton vesz részt — to travel around the countryside making political speeches etc.
  • Hungarian: korteskedik — to travel around the countryside making political speeches etc.
  • Hungarian: kampányol — to travel around the countryside making political speeches etc.
  • Hungarian: haknizik — to appear at fairs and carnivals in exhibitions of stunt flying, or sporting events
  • Hungarian: tájol — to appear at fairs and carnivals in exhibitions of stunt flying, or sporting events