What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barrel
Example
The wine was aged in oak barrels to enhance its flavor. [barrel: noun]
Example
He aimed the gun's barrel at the target. [barrel: noun]
Example
They were running around like a bunch of monkeys, having a barrel of fun. [barrel: idiomatic expression]
cask
Example
The whiskey was aged in oak casks for several years. [cask: noun]
Example
They loaded the casks of beer onto the truck for delivery. [cask: noun]
Example
The oil spill was estimated to be over 1000 casks. [cask: unit of measurement]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barrel is more commonly used in everyday language, covering a wider range of contexts beyond just alcoholic beverages. Cask is less common and is primarily used within the context of alcoholic beverages and their storage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barrel and cask?
Both barrel and cask can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cask may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with the refined process of aging and storing alcoholic beverages.
