barnbrack
|barn-brack|
🇺🇸
/ˈbɑrnbræk/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɑːmbræk/
speckled fruit loaf
Etymology
'barnbrack' originates from Irish Gaelic, specifically the phrase 'bairín breac', where 'bairín' meant 'little loaf' and 'breac' meant 'speckled'.
'bairín breac' passed into Hiberno-English as 'barmbrack' or 'barnbrack' and eventually entered English usage, retaining reference to a speckled loaf made with fruit.
Initially, it meant 'speckled little loaf', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a sweet fruit bread or cake associated with Irish tradition'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a traditional Irish sweet bread or cake made with dried fruit (such as sultanas or raisins), often eaten at Halloween; sometimes baked with a small object such as a ring or pea for a fortune-telling custom.
She served slices of barnbrack with tea at the Halloween gathering.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/17 16:04