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Definition of barnburner

barnburner

/ˈbɑːrnˌbɜːrnər/
barn · burn · er
Plural:barnburners
•
Adjective:barnburning
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barnburner Lexical Profile

barnburner Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A remarkably exciting, suspenseful, or dramatic event, contest, or performance.

Example

"Last night's championship basketball game was a true barnburner that wasn't decided until the final buzzer."

2

American A member of the radical anti-slavery, reformist faction of the New York State Democratic Party in the 1840s.

Example

"In 1848, many former Barnburners joined forces with abolitionists to form the Free Soil Party."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for barnburner
Antonyms
View all antonyms for barnburner

• Nearby Words

barnacle
barnacled
barnafoss
barnburner
barnlike
barnstorm
barnstorming

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in the 1840s as a political nickname for radical members of the New York State Democratic Party, who were accused by opponents of being willing to destroy banks and corporations to eliminate abuses—much like a farmer who burns down his own barn to rid it of rats.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Barnburner. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/barnburner
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