barrel
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for barrel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large, round wooden or metal container, usually bulging in the middle, used to store liquids or other goods.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
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.