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

This cozy sweater is perfect for yoga, pilates, barre, and more with its mid-length fit and flowy design. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025

Upstairs is the expansive workout floor with cardio equipment, barbells and racks, weight machines and free weights, as well as dedicated studios for barre, yoga, Pilates, and strength and conditioning group classes. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

Winter tuned up his body through Duncan-style exercises—energy radiating from his solar plexus out to his limbs—at the dance barre. —Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

Separately, Peloton is launching a cross-training series for its bike, bike+, tread, tread+ and row+ equipment that will feature a swivel screen to allow members to switch from a cardio workout to strength, yoga, Pilates, barre and other activities. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Medieval Latin barra

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for barre

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary