Definition

1. Verb:
   • To tour rural areas to give political speeches, lectures, or theatrical performances: To travel extensively, especially through smaller towns or rural districts, to present a show, deliver speeches, or perform.
   • To perform as a stunt pilot or parachutist at fairs or carnivals: To engage in exhibition flying or aerial stunts, typically in a small aircraft, as part of a traveling show at local events.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The candidate plans to barnstorm across the Midwest to connect with voters.
  • After the war, the pilot earned a living by barnstorming at county fairs.

Advanced Usage

• "barnstorming" (adjective/noun): Describing the act or style of barnstorming, often implying energetic, rapid, or dramatic touring.
  • The senator concluded his campaign with a barnstorming tour of the southern states.
  • The barnstorming of the early aviation pioneers was a dangerous but thrilling spectacle.

Variants and Related Words

• Barnstormer (noun): A person who barnstorms.
  • The famous barnstormer drew huge crowds with his daring aerial maneuvers.

Synonyms

• Tour: To make a journey, typically for performance or promotion.
• Stunt flying: Performing acrobatic maneuvers in an aircraft.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Related Idioms

Verb

1. tour the country making political speeches, giving lectures, or presenting plays
   • The presidential candidates are busy barnstorming this month
2. appear at county fairs and carnivals as a stunt flier and parachute jumper