barn dance


noun

a social gathering, originally held in a barn, and including square dances, round dances, and hoedown music.
any party featuring country dances, dress, music, etc.

Origin of barn dance

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example sentences from the Web for barn dance

  • It was the day that Annixter had chosen for his barn-dance and, in consequence, Quien Sabe was in fete and work suspended.

    The Octopus |Frank Norris
  • "And women pet them; they'd prefer a fool who can pot rabbits and do a barn-dance to Homer himself," growled Yate.

    Love's Usuries |Louis Creswicke
  • Fern Mullins and Cy had, the evening before, driven alone to a barn-dance in the country.

    Main Street |Sinclair Lewis
  • Like Annixter's barn-dance, it was to be an event in which all the country-side should take part.

    The Octopus |Frank Norris

British Dictionary definitions for barn dance

barn dance

noun

British a progressive round country dance
US and Canadian a party with hoedown music and square-dancing
a party featuring country dancing
a disco or party held in a barn