English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

Barnaby

Barnaby (noun) means Historical: a brisk, energetic country dance, or by extension any quick, jerky movement. Example: “The fiddler struck up a barnaby and the dancers spun across the floor.”

noun
1
Historical: a brisk, energetic country dance, or by extension any quick, jerky movement.
"The fiddler struck up a barnaby and the dancers spun across the floor."

How to use Barnaby

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old term for a fast, lively dance.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Barnaby” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The fiddler struck up a _____ and the dancers spun across the floor.

Etymology

The given name Barnaby comes from Barnabas, ultimately from Aramaic bar nəḇiyyā, "son of a prophet."

Origin: Aramaic

Rhymes for Barnaby

See all rhymes for Barnaby →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Barnaby” mean?

The word “Barnaby” means historical: a brisk, energetic country dance, or by extension any quick, jerky movement. In plain terms, an old term for a fast, lively dance.

How do you use “Barnaby” in a sentence?

Here is “Barnaby” used in a sentence: “The fiddler struck up a barnaby and the dancers spun across the floor.”

What part of speech is “Barnaby”?

“Barnaby” is a noun.

Where does the word “Barnaby” come from?

The word “Barnaby” comes from Aramaic. The given name Barnaby comes from Barnabas, ultimately from Aramaic bar nəḇiyyā, "son of a prophet.".

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial