What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barrel
Example
The workers rolled the barrel of oil into the storage room. [barrel: noun]
Example
The hunter aimed the rifle's barrel at the target. [barrel: noun]
Example
The comedy show was a barrel of laughs, everyone was laughing non-stop. [barrel: idiom]
drum
Example
He played the drum in the school band. [drum: noun]
Example
The thunderous drum echoed through the stadium. [drum: noun]
Example
The chef stored the spices in a metal drum in the kitchen. [drum: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drum is more commonly used than barrel in everyday language. Drum has a wider range of contexts, including music, storage, and transportation, making it a more versatile word. On the other hand, barrel is more specific to the storage of liquids and is less commonly used in general conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barrel and drum?
Both barrel and drum are generally informal words. However, barrel may be slightly more formal when used in the context of storing or transporting liquids, while drum can be used in both formal and informal settings, especially when referring to the musical instrument.
