C1noun2K

Barrel

UK /["/ˈbærəl/"]/US /["/ˈbærəl/"]/

Definition

a large round container, usually made of wood or metal, with flat ends and, usually, curved sides

In simple words: A large round container, usually made of wood or metal, used for storing liquids.

Examples

  • The wine was stored in a wooden barrel for several months to enhance its flavor.
  • The children rolled the empty barrel down the hill, laughing as it bumped along.
  • The old barrel was used as a decorative piece in the rustic café.
  • In the game, you need to protect your health bar while climbing the barrel walls.
  • He aimed his shot at the barrel of the gun, hoping it would hit the target.
  • The oil was leaking from the barrel at a disturbing rate, causing concern among the workers.

Usage notes

Used mainly in contexts related to storage or transportation of liquids like wine or oil. Not commonly used in formal writing unless specific to a topic.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a bar filled with beer, and imagine beer barrels stacked high.

Collocations

  • beer
  • whisky/​whiskey
  • wine
  • fill
  • contain something
  • a barrel
  • per barrel
  • by the barrel
  • beer
  • whisky/​whiskey
  • wine
  • fill
  • contain something
  • a barrel
  • per barrel
  • by the barrel
  • gun
  • rifle
  • shotgun
  • look down
  • peer down
  • point
  • the barrel of a gun

Synonyms

  • cask
  • drum
  • container
  • vat
  • keg

Antonyms

  • packet
  • box
  • crate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'barrel' as a verb meaning to move quickly.
  • Omitting the plural form 'barrels' when talking about more than one.
  • Using 'barrel' to refer to small containers instead of large ones.