Barrel

/ˈbæɹ(ə)l/ · noun

Meaning

(countable) A round (cylindrical) vessel, such as a cask, of greater length than breadth, and bulging in the middle, made of staves bound with hoops, and having flat ends (heads). The word is sometimes applied to a similar cylindrical container made of metal, usually called a drum..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable) A round (cylindrical) vessel, such as a cask, of greater length than breadth, and bulging in the middle, made of staves bound with hoops, and having flat ends (heads). The word is sometimes applied to a similar cylindrical container made of metal, usually called a drum.
2. The quantity which constitutes a full barrel: the volume or weight this represents varies by local law and custom.
3. A solid drum, or a hollow cylinder or case
4. A metallic tube, as of a gun, from which a projectile is discharged.
5. (automotive) A venturi (in carburetion).
6. (television) A ceiling-mounted tube from which lights are suspended.
7. (archaic) Any tube.
8. (zoology) The hollow basal part of a feather.

Example Sentences

Near-synonym: cask

a cracker barrel

The dawn of the oil age was fairly recent. Although the stuff was used to waterproof boats in the Middle East 6,000 years ago, extracting it in earnest began only in 1859 after an oil strike in Pennsylvania. The first barrels of crude fetched $18 (around $450 at today’s prices).

Again, by 28 Hen. VIII, cap. 14, it is re-enacted that the tun of wine should contain 252 gallons, a butt of Malmsey 126 gallons, a pipe 126 gallons, a tercian or puncheon 84 gallons, a hogshead 63 gallons, a tierce 41 gallons, a barrel 31.5 gallons, a rundlet 18.5 gallons.

23 Hen. VIII, cap. 4... The barrel of beer is to hold 36 gallons, the kilderkin 18 gallons the firkin 9. But the barrel, kilderkin, and firkin of ale are to contain 32, 16, and 8 gallons.

the barrel of a windlass; the barrel of a watch, within which the spring is coiled.

You're shooting stars from the barrel of your eyes

Moreover, it adds to difficulties in adjusting/servicing lamps located over high scenery, ceilings etc., where the barrel networks cannot be lowered or reached.

Synonyms for barrel

Antonyms for barrel

Related Words

Word Forms

• barrels
• barrell
• barreling
• barrelling
• barreled
• barrelled

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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