Barrel: meaning, definitions and examples

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barrel

 

[ หˆbรฆrษ™l ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

container

A barrel is a large, cylindrical container made of wooden staves bound by metal hoops. It is commonly used for storing and transporting liquids such as oil, wine, or beer.

Synonyms

cask, drum, keg.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barrel

Used for large cylindrical containers, often made of wood or metal, for storing fluids, dry goods, or other substances.

  • The old man filled the barrel with apples.
  • They stored the beer in large wooden barrels.
cask

Typically refers to a large barrel-like container used specifically for storing liquids, especially alcoholic beverages such as wine or whiskey.

  • The winery aged its finest wine in oak casks.
  • Whiskey casks are known for their unique aroma.
keg

Refers to a small barrel or container, often made of metal, used particularly for storing and dispensing beer or other carbonated beverages. Can also have connotations of social gatherings or parties.

  • They brought a keg of beer to the party.
  • The pub keeps several kegs of different kinds of beer.
drum

Used for large cylindrical containers, often made of metal or plastic, commonly used for storing chemicals, oil, or other industrial products.

  • The factory kept oil in large steel drums.
  • They transported the liquid chemicals in plastic drums.

Examples of usage

  • The winery stored the wine in oak barrels.
  • The oil was shipped in large barrels.
  • She rolled the barrel across the warehouse.
Context #2 | Noun

unit of measurement

In some countries, a barrel is also a unit of measurement for liquids, typically equal to 42 US gallons or 159 liters.

Synonyms

cask, drum, keg.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barrel

Similar to 'cask,' another word for a large cylindrical container, typically made of wood, used mostly for liquids.

  • Get a barrel of oil for the machine.
cask

A cask is specifically used for storing and aging alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, or whiskey. It often implies a slightly smaller and often more refined container compared to a barrel.

  • They tapped into the cask to taste the aged whiskey.
  • The cask of ale was ready for the celebration.
keg

A keg refers to a smaller container, typically for beer, often seen in bars or at parties. It gives a casual and celebratory feel.

  • They brought a keg of beer to the party.
  • The bar has several kegs of local craft beer.
drum

A drum is a large cylindrical container made of metal or plastic, commonly used for industrial purposes, such as storing chemicals, oils, or other bulk materials.

  • The factory stores the chemical waste in large drums.
  • They transported diesel in sealed metal drums.

Examples of usage

  • The price of oil is often quoted per barrel.
  • The brewery produces thousands of barrels of beer each year.
Context #3 | Verb

move quickly and noisily

To barrel means to move or roll quickly and noisily, often with great force or momentum.

Synonyms

rush, speed, zoom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barrel

This verb often describes moving or driving very fast in a somewhat uncontrolled manner, often with a connotation of recklessness.

  • The car barreled down the highway
  • He barreled through the crowded street, not paying attention to anyone
rush

Use this term when someone is moving quickly because they are in a hurry or need to get somewhere fast. It implies urgency.

  • She rushed to the bus stop to catch the last bus
  • He rushed through his homework so he could go out and play
speed

This word fits well when the focus is on the high rate of motion, commonly talking about vehicles or other moving objects. It also can imply the need to do something quickly.

  • The train sped past the station
  • He tried to speed up his project to finish before the deadline
zoom

Often used to describe fast movement with a sense of smoothness and efficiency. It is commonly used with vehicles or things that move quickly through the air.

  • The rocket zoomed into the sky
  • She zoomed down the hill on her bike

Examples of usage

  • The car barreled down the road.
  • The waves barreled towards the shore.

Translations

Translations of the word "barrel" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น barril

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅˆเคฐเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fass

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ barel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะพั‡ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ beczka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆจฝ (ใŸใ‚‹)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท baril

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ barril

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท varil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐฐ๋Ÿด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุฑู…ูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sud

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sud

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆกถ (tว’ng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sod

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tunna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑำฉัˆะบะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒกแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ boรงka

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ barril

Etymology

The word 'barrel' has its origins in Old French 'baril' which is derived from the Frankish word 'baril'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to a large cylindrical container. Over time, its usage expanded to include a unit of measurement for liquids. The verb form 'barrel' originated in the early 20th century to describe fast and forceful movement.

See also: bar, barb, barbel, barge, baron, barred, barrier, bars, rebar.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,224 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.