Is a word barren noun?

The word "barren" can be both a noun and an adjective, depending on how it's used.

As an adjective:

* It describes something that is unable to produce offspring, crops, or anything else.

* Example: "The barren landscape stretched out before them."

As a noun:

* It refers to a tract of land that is unproductive or infertile.

* Example: "They crossed a barren wasteland."

So, the answer to your question is: It depends on the context.