Pronunciation

/barəl/

Definitions

Noun

1. A container made of wood, metal, or plastic, usually cylindrical with a wide mouth and a tightly fitting lid, used for storing and transporting liquids, food, or other items.
2. An amount or supply of something measured in units similar to a gallon or a barrel (e.g., a barrel of oil).
3. A unit of measurement for beer or wine, equivalent to 31.5 gallons (approximately 124 liters).
4. In the context of firearms, a long gun with a tubular stock and smoothbore barrel.

Verb

1. To load or fill a barrel with a substance.
2. To transport or store something in a barrel.
3. To refer to or denote a quantity measured in barrels (e.g., “a barrel of laughs”).

Adjective

1. Large and cylindrical, typically referring to a storage container.
2. Related to or characterized by a barrel shape or structure.

Phrases

• “Barrel up” or “Barrel down” (to move quickly)
• “Drain a barrel” (to finish a large drink or quantity)
• “Roll a barrel” (a colloquial term for moving or handling a heavy barrel)

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The winery stored the vintage wine in oak barrels to enhance its flavor.”
• Verb: “The workers were busy unloading barrels of flour from the ship.”
• Adjective: “The old house had a barrel-vaulted ceiling in the entryway.”

Synonyms

• Cask
• Hogshead
• Ton (in the sense of a large quantity, not a unit of weight)
• Keg
• Cistern (for larger containers)
• Reservoir (for holding liquids)
• Stock (as in a supply of something)