Barrel: meaning, definitions and examples

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barrel

[ ˈbærəl ]

^{Context #1}

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

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}

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

Examples of usage

The price of oil is often quoted per barrel.
The brewery produces thousands of barrels of beer each year.

^{Context #3}

move quickly and noisily

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

Synonyms

rush, speed, zoom

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "barrel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barril

🇮🇳 बैरल

🇩🇪 Fass

🇮🇩 barel

🇺🇦 бочка

🇵🇱 beczka

🇯🇵 樽 (たる)

🇫🇷 baril

🇪🇸 barril

🇹🇷 varil

🇰🇷 배럴

🇸🇦 برميل

🇨🇿 sud

🇸🇰 sud

🇨🇳 桶 (tǒng)

🇸🇮 sod

🇮🇸 tunna

🇰🇿 бөшке

🇬🇪 კასრი

🇦🇿 boçka

🇲🇽 barril

Word origin

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.