cooper
3 synonyms for cooper, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A craftsman who makes or repairs wooden barrels, casks, and similar containers.
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.
barrel-maker
cask-maker
How to use cooper
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a master cooper
cooper's trade
Etymology
Built from coop (an earlier word for a cask) plus the agent suffix -er — literally "one who makes casks."
Full origin of cooper →Frequently asked questions
What does “cooper” mean?
The word “cooper” means a craftsman who makes or repairs wooden barrels, casks, and similar containers. In plain terms, someone whose trade is building or repairing wooden barrels.
How do you pronounce “cooper”?
“Cooper” is pronounced KOO-puh (/ˈkʊpɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cooper” in a sentence?
Here is “cooper” used in a sentence: “The old cooper still made oak barrels for the local winery.”
What part of speech is “cooper”?
Depending on how it is used, “cooper” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “cooper” a common word?
“Cooper” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cooper” have?
“Cooper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a craftsman who makes or repairs wooden barrels, casks, and similar containers.
What is the difference between a 'cooper' and a 'carpenter'?
A 'cooper' is a craftsman who specialises in making or repairing wooden barrels, casks, and similar round containers. A 'carpenter' works with wood more broadly, building things like furniture, frames, and structures. The cooper's trade is narrower and centres on watertight staved vessels.
What items does a cooper traditionally make?
A cooper traditionally makes and repairs wooden barrels, casks, buckets, tubs, and vats, shaping curved staves and binding them with hoops. These containers were historically used to store liquids and goods such as wine, beer, and provisions.
Is the surname Cooper related to the job of a cooper?
Yes. The common surname Cooper began as an occupational name, identifying someone whose trade was making barrels and casks. Many English surnames arose this way from a person's craft or work.
