# Barre

/ˈbɑɹ/ (US) · /bˈɑː/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/barre
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a horizontal wooden rail that dancers hold onto for balance while they practice. It is also the name for a type of exercise that uses this rail.

For teachers: a horizontal rail used by ballet dancers for support during exercises; by extension, a fitness system incorporating elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga.

## Examples

- The dancers stood at the barre to begin their warm-up.
- After years of traditional gym workouts, she switched to barre classes to improve her flexibility and core strength.
- The instructor emphasized that the barre should only be used for light stability rather than as a physical crutch to bear the dancer's full weight during the sequence.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'barre class' or 'barre workout'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.