Main Entry:

¹bar·ren

Pronunciation:

\ˈber-ən, ˈba-rən\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English bareine, from Anglo-French barain, perhaps of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Welsh brynar fallow land

Date:

13th century

1: not reproducing: as a: incapable of producing offspring —used especially of females or matings b: not yet or not recently pregnant c: habitually failing to fruit 2: not productive: as a: producing little or no vegetation : desolate <barren deserts> b: producing inferior crops <barren soil> c: unproductive of results or gain : fruitless <a barren scheme> 3: devoid, lacking —used with of<barren of excitement>4: lacking interest or charm <a barren routine>5: lacking inspiration or ideas <a barren mind>

synonyms see bare

— bar·ren·ly adverb

— bar·ren·ness \-ə(n)-nəs\ noun