barrel
0 antonyms and opposites of barrel, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A large, round wooden or metal container, usually bulging in the middle, used to store liquids or other goods.
How to use barrel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English barel, via Anglo-Norman baril, of uncertain deeper origin — possibly linked to a Germanic word for a storage container, or to "bear" in the sense of carrying something.
Full origin of barrel →Frequently asked questions
What does “barrel” mean?
The word “barrel” means a large, round wooden or metal container, usually bulging in the middle, used to store liquids or other goods. In plain terms, a large cylindrical container for liquids, a unit for measuring oil, the tube of a gun — or, as a verb, to move fast and out of control.
How do you pronounce “barrel”?
“Barrel” is pronounced BARL (/ˈbæɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “barrel” in a sentence?
Here is “barrel” used in a sentence: “The wine had been aging in oak barrels for over a decade.”
What part of speech is “barrel”?
Depending on how it is used, “barrel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “barrel” come from?
The word “barrel” comes from Middle English. From Middle English barel, via Anglo-Norman baril, of uncertain deeper origin — possibly linked to a Germanic word for a storage container, or to "bear" in the sense of carrying something.
Is “barrel” a common word?
“Barrel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “barrel” have?
“Barrel” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, round wooden or metal container, usually bulging in the middle, used to store liquids or other goods.
What is the difference between a barrel and a cask?
Both a barrel and a cask are round containers used to store liquids, but cask is a broader term that covers vessels of many sizes, while barrel often refers to a specific standard size within that range. In brewing and distilling, cask is the general word and barrel names a particular capacity.
How much does a barrel of oil hold?
As a unit of volume for measuring oil, a standard barrel equals 42 US gallons, or about 159 litres. This is the figure used in oil-price reporting when prices are quoted "per barrel."
What does the phrase 'barrel of a gun' refer to?
Beyond the container sense, barrel also names the long tube-shaped part of a firearm through which a projectile travels. This meaning comes from the shape of the part rather than from a storage vessel.