VocabDictionary

barrack

/ˈbær.ək/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A building or group of buildings used to house soldiers (usually used in the plural 'barracks').

Example Sentences:
  • “The recruits were marched back to the barracks before lights out.”
  • “Life in the military barracks required strict discipline and early mornings.”
2.verb

To shout loudly in order to cheer on a sports team or, conversely, to jeer and heckle opponents.

Example Sentences:
  • “The loyal fans gathered in the stands to barrack for their local football team.”
  • “Spectators began to barrack the referee after a controversial decision.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “barrack”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in the late 17th century, derived from the Spanish 'barraca' (tent, hut) and the Italian 'baracca', via French 'barraque'. Originally referring to temporary huts for soldiers, the word evolved to mean permanent military buildings, and in Commonwealth English (especially Australian and British), developed a separate meaning of jeering or shouting encouragement at a sports team.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of soldiers in their barracks shouting and cheering loudly during a game.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “barrack”

1. What is the meaning of “barrack” in English?

In English, barrack (noun) is defined as: “A building or group of buildings used to house soldiers (usually used in the plural 'barracks').”.

2. How do you use “barrack” in a sentence?

“The recruits were marched back to the barracks before lights out.”

3. What are English synonyms of “barrack”?

Common synonyms include:cantonment,quarters,garrison,heckle,cheer

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “barrack”?

Originating in the late 17th century, derived from the Spanish 'barraca' (tent, hut) and the Italian 'baracca', via French 'barraque'. Originally referring to temporary huts for soldiers, the word evolved to mean permanent military buildings, and in Commonwealth English (especially Australian and British), developed a separate meaning of jeering or shouting encouragement at a sports team.