barre

noun

ˈbär 

1

plural barres : a handrail used by ballet dancers to maintain balance while exercising : bar sense 1c

He would work at an accelerated tempo at the barre to build up his strength, and learn to "feel the floor" with his toes to increase the elasticity of his elevation.

—Julie Kavanagh

2

: an exercise regimen that typically utilizes a ballet bar and movements taken from or influenced by ballet training

Barre is also low impact and has a built-in handhold, making it a relatively safe form of exercise.

—Markham Heid

Did I mention that every barre class I have ever gone to includes squats? Lots of squats.

—Kathleen Trotter

Examples of barre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the other end of the price scale, Bala Bangles ($55) 1- and 2-pound wrist and ankle weights add light, constant resistance to walks, Pilates, barre or yoga without looking like traditional gym gear. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026

It is overlooked by the home’s third-floor ballroom, which Sherman said served as Pinkie’s ballet room with mirrors and a barre. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

Bras offer medium-level support with a triple layer front, designed for activities like yoga, hiking, barre, traveling, gardening, stretching and running errands. —ABC News, 1 June 2026

The music is well curated, the instructors are exceptional and the class variety is strong, ranging from barre to psycling. —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Medieval Latin barra

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1