barrack

noun bar·rack \ ˈber-ək , -ik ; ˈba-rək , -rik \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Definition of barrack

1 : a building or set of buildings used especially for lodging soldiers in garrison

2 a : a structure resembling a shed or barn that provides temporary housing

b : housing characterized by extreme plainness or dreary uniformity —usually used in plural in all senses

Recent Examples of barrack from the Web

In 2011, the private died in bed at his barracks at Fort Carson in Colorado, where he was being treated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

— charles piller, Science | AAAS, "Hidden conflicts? Pharma payments to FDA advisers after drug approvals spark ethical concerns," 5 July 2018
The village consisted of three buildings, which – unlike other camp barracks – had bathrooms and running water.

— rick hampson, USA TODAY, "Celebrating Independence Day in America's detention camps – during World War II and now," 2 July 2018
Inspectors and epidemiologists for the Health Department who arrived last week at Belmont Park in Elmont N.Y., found signs of the vermin, as well as bedbugs, in the squalid cottages and barracks where the grooms and tack are housed.

— sarah maslin nir, New York Times, "Hantavirus Was Not the Cause of Belmont Park Worker’s Death," 24 June 2018
The University of Texas medical school occupied a converted army barracks when Donald Seldin joined the faculty in 1951.

— james r. hagerty, WSJ, "Donald Seldin Transformed a Ramshackle Med School Into a Research Powerhouse in Dallas," 11 May 2018
To get houses to Mertarvik economically, the commission plans to renovate and ship out barracks that are no longer needed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage.

— alex demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "Federal agency commits $22 million to help erosion-threatened village move," 29 Apr. 2018
Devin Kuhn, 24, was shot during a training exercise in a barrack at Camp Rilea National Guard base in Warrenton on Jan. 31.

— everton bailey jr., OregonLive.com, "No criminal charges in fatal Camp Rilea shooting of soldier," 28 Feb. 2018
Balbuena and Flores were held on $2,040 and $40,040 bail, respectively at South Boston State Police barracks pending the arraignment.

— laney ruckstuhl, BostonGlobe.com, "Police stop car in Boston, discover drugs and more than 20 active warrants for passenger’s arrest," 28 June 2018
War declared him a threat, ripped him from the farm, drove his family into stalls, stuffed them into barracks.

— hartford courant, courant.com, "The Poems Of Aaron Caycedo-Kimura: Honoring Ones Parents," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'barrack.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of barrack

French baraque hut, from Catalan barraca

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1686

in the meaning defined at sense 2a

See Words from the same year

barrack

verb

Definition of barrack

barracked; barracking; barracks

transitive verb

: to lodge in barracks

Recent Examples of barrack from the Web

Some 200 people were quickly evacuated from campgrounds in the fire's path in addition to 80 children who were trapped in a camp barracks Saturday.

— CBS News, "Thousands flee raging wildfires in California," 10 July 2017
The Marine veteran used some of his time while in the Wounded Warrior barracks to take writing, filmmaking and business classes, with an eye toward this future.

— jeanette steele, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego TV streaming start-up tries dark humor to reach veterans," 22 June 2017
The military would not permit reporters to wait near the gate to the prison barracks complex.

— charlie savage, New York Times, "Chelsea Manning Leaves Prison, Closing an Extraordinary Leak Case," 16 May 2017

First Known Use of barrack

1701

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

barrack

verb

Definition of barrack

barracked; barracking; barracks

transitive verb

chiefly British

: to shout at derisively or sarcastically

intransitive verb

1 chiefly Australia : root, cheer —usually used with for

2 chiefly British : jeer, scoff

—

barracker

noun

Origin and Etymology of barrack

perhaps from dialect (northern Ireland) barrack to brag

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1885

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

BARRACK Defined for Kids

barrack

noun bar·rack \ ˈber-ək , -ik \

Definition of barrack for Students

: a building or group of buildings in which soldiers live —usually used in pl.

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barrack

Definition of barrack

Recent Examples of barrack from the Web

Origin and Etymology of barrack

barrack

Definition of barrack

Recent Examples of barrack from the Web

First Known Use of barrack

barrack

Definition of barrack

barracker

Origin and Etymology of barrack

BARRACK Defined for Kids

barrack

Definition of barrack for Students

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