English Reference
preposition · verb · noun

barring

prep. · v. · n.
US /ˈbɑɹɪŋ/ UK /bˈɑːɹɪŋ/ bar·ring

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    prep.you use this to say that something will happen unless a specific problem occurs.

    prep.excepting or excluding a specific circumstance; used to indicate that a statement is true provided a certain event does not occur.

    Simple

    Barring any last-minute delays, the plane should land at noon.

    In context

    Barring a sudden and unforeseen economic downturn, the company expects to see record profits by the end of the fiscal year.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the act of stopping someone from entering a place or doing something.

    v.the act of excluding someone from a place or privilege, or physically obstructing a passage.

    Simple

    The security guards were barring the protesters from entering the building.

    In context

    The new legislation was effective in barring unqualified candidates from holding high-level administrative positions within the civil service.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.a pattern made of stripes or bars of color.

    n.a collective arrangement or pattern of stripes, bars, or lines on a surface.

    Simple

    The bird is easily identified by the dark barring on its wings.

    In context

    The geologist noted the distinct horizontal barring in the sedimentary rock, which indicated different periods of mineral deposition.

    stripingbanding
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.heavy pieces of wood used to hold up the roof of a mine tunnel.

    n.timber or structural members used for supporting the roof or sides of shafts in underground excavations.

    Simple

    The old mine collapsed because the wooden barring had rotted away over time.

    In context

    Engineers inspected the vertical barring of the shaft to ensure the structural integrity of the mine before allowing the crew to descend.

    Usage

    Commonly used in historical mining contexts or specific engineering reports.

    shoringbracing
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated