English Reference
noun · verb

barracks

n. · v.
US /ˈbæɹəks/ UK /bˈæɹəks/ bar·racks

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    n.a building or group of buildings where soldiers live together.

    n.a building or group of buildings used to accommodate military personnel. Often functions as a singular noun despite the plural ending.

    Simple

    The new soldiers were sent to the barracks to unpack their gear.

    In context

    The regiment was confined to barracks for the weekend while the commanding officer investigated the breach of security.

    Pitfall
    The soldiers lives in a barrack. The soldiers live in a barracks.

    Even when referring to a single building, the word is almost always used in the plural form 'barracks'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced British EnglishDialect Sport

    v.to shout loudly at a person or team to show you do not like them.

    v.to shout or jeer at a performer or a sports team to express disapproval or to distract them.

    Simple

    The crowd started barracksing the referee after he made a controversial decision.

    In context

    The home fans began barracksing the visiting goalkeeper, hoping to rattle his nerves before the penalty shootout began.

    Usage

    In Australian and New Zealand English, this verb can actually mean the opposite: to cheer for or support a team.

    jeerheckletaunt

At least 10 people have been killed and dozens more injured after an explosion at a military barracks in Bolivia.

Sky News· 5 Sept 2026

Sanjay Shah, a foreman, was the first to be rescued and was taken to the army barracks in Trishuli.

The Guardian· 4 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated