barn raising

noun

1. (in rural areas) a party, usually providing food, drink, etc., for the purpose of assisting a neighbor to put up a new barn.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barn raising¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Five years from spring, other Amish folk would come to homestead—what a barn-raising they'd have!

From Project Gutenberg

Come a muster or a barn raising or an election or anything, Harve Allen fought somebody—and licked him.

From Project Gutenberg

It can be made as much of a social institution as corn husking and barn raising were formerly.

From Project Gutenberg

I have never seen a prettier barn-raising than that, and I have fiddled at a many since then.

From Project Gutenberg

It was like pioneer days, when "barn-raising" and "bees" made life worth while in a wild, stern land.

From Project Gutenberg