Definition

Noun: 1. A pilot who travels around the country giving exhibits of stunt flying and parachuting: A person who performs daring aerial maneuvers and displays in aircraft, often as part of a traveling show in rural or small-town areas. 2. An actor who travels around the country presenting plays: A performer who is part of a touring theatrical company that presents plays in various towns, often with a rapid schedule and in simple venues.

Examples

• As a pilot:
  • The famous barnstormer performed loops and rolls above the county fair.
  • In the 1920s, a barnstormer might land in a farmer's field and offer rides to locals.
• As an actor:
  • The troupe of barnstormers brought Shakespeare to small towns across the Midwest.
  • He spent his early career as a barnstormer, living out of a suitcase and performing in a different town each night.

Advanced Usage

• The term "barnstorming" is the associated verb and noun form describing the activity itself.
  • Verb: "They spent the summer barnstorming across the state."
  • Noun: "His style of political campaigning was pure barnstorming."
• Figuratively, "barnstormer" can describe anyone who tours energetically, especially in politics or sports, to generate excitement or support.
  • The candidate was a political barnstormer, holding multiple rallies a day.

Variants and Related Words

• Barnstorm (verb): To tour rural areas performing stunts or plays; to campaign vigorously.
• Barnstorming (noun/adjective): The activity of a barnstormer; impressively energetic or rapid (e.g., a barnstorming performance, a barnstorming tour).

Synonyms

• For the pilot: stunt pilot, aerial performer, daredevil pilot.
• For the actor: touring actor, itinerant player, strolling player.

Related Idioms

• While not a direct idiom, the concept is linked to "hit the road" or "take the show on the road," meaning to begin a tour or travel to perform.

Noun

1. a pilot who travels around the country giving exhibits of stunt flying and parachuting
2. an actor who travels around the country presenting plays