barn

noun

ˈbärn 

1

a

: a usually large building for the storage of farm products or feed and usually for the housing of farm animals or farm equipment

b

: an unusually large and usually bare building

a great barn of a hotel

—W. A. White

2

: a large building for the housing of a fleet of vehicles (such as trolley cars or trucks)

barnlike

ˈbärn-ˌlīk 

adjective

barny

ˈbär-nē 

adjective

Examples of barn in a Sentence

They live in a big barn of a house.

Recent Examples on the Web

When filled, the pond reflected an old barn and the snowcapped peaks of the Sawatch Range — an image that adorns postcards and tourism websites. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 26 June 2025

Hobbyists will enjoy the archery range and multiple structures and amenities for recreational gear, including a woodworking and metal shop, diesel fueling station and car wash, tractor barn and water trailer garage, and tool and potting sheds. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025

The thought of his friend made Emerson pause and look toward the barn. —Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

The property’s amenities are second to none and include a private helipad, state-of-the-art equestrian facilities with a 10-stall barn and riding arena, a tennis court, and a playhouse. —Emma Reynolds, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bern, from Old English bereærn, from bere barley + ærn house, store

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing barn

• barn burner
• barn dance
• barn lot
• barn owl
• barn raising
• barn swallow

Rhymes for barn

• arn
• barne
• carn
• darn
• garn
• karn
• skarn
• yarn

Kids Definition

barn

noun

ˈbärn 

: a building used chiefly for storing grain and hay and for housing farm animals or farm equipment

Medical Definition

barn

noun

ˈbärn 

: a unit of area equal to 10⁻²⁴ square centimeters that is used in nuclear physics for measuring cross section