prep Uncommon

barring

BAH-rihng

Barring (prep) means unless something happens; except for. Example: “Barring any last-minute delays, the flight should land on time.”

prep

Unless something happens; except for.

"Barring any last-minute delays, the flight should land on time."

"Barring injury, she's expected to start the final."

How to Use Barring

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed to mean "unless" or "except for" when introducing a possible exception.

Memory tip

Barring usually opens a sentence and is followed by a noun phrase, not a full clause: "Barring rain, we'll have the picnic outside."

Word Forms

barrings plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ any last-minute delays, the flight should land on time.

Rhymes for barring

earring warring jarring starring scarring sparring

See all rhymes for barring →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “barring” mean?

The word “barring” means unless something happens; except for. In plain terms, used to mean "unless" or "except for" when introducing a possible exception.

How do you pronounce “barring”?

“Barring” is pronounced BAH-rihng (/ˈbɑːɹɪŋ(ɡ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “barring” in a sentence?

Here is “barring” used in a sentence: “Barring any last-minute delays, the flight should land on time.”

What part of speech is “barring”?

“Barring” is a preposition.

Is “barring” a common word?

“Barring” is an uncommon word in modern English.