barnstorming meaning: definition, quotations

barnstorming

adj

Especially, Of a performance Highly theatrical.

The packed opening night of Twain’s first UK tour since 2004 is an impressively barnstorming, thigh-slapping, eye-searing revue that marries her bulletproof back catalogue with a cautious sprinkle of new material.2018 September 20, Graeme Virtue, “Shania Twain review – barnstorming, thigh-slapping spectacular”, in The Guardian:

noun

The act of one who barnstorms, or travels making political speeches.

He'd been to plenty of barnstormings, but he had been one of those who watched, mainly because he could ill afford to spend the dollar or two the pilot charged for the ride.2002, William V. Reynolds, Call of the Pines, page 122:
Testy voters have peppered GOP lawmakers at town halls, and tens of thousands continue to turn out for a barnstorming tour by Sen. Bernie Sanders.2025 April 7, Simon Montlake, Caitlin Babcock, Ali Martin, Cameron Pugh, Jingnan Peng, “Is the anti-Trump ‘resistance’ starting to find its voice again?”, in The Christian Science Monitor:

Aviation stunts performed for a public audience.