barrel

[ˈbærəl]

barrel Definition

  • 1a cylindrical container with a flat top and bottom, used for storing liquids or food
  • 2the amount that a barrel can hold, especially of oil

Using barrel: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "barrel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The wine was aged in oak barrels.

  • Example

    The price of oil per barrel has increased.

  • Example

    He rolled the barrel down the hill.

  • Example

    She bought a barrel of pickles at the market.

barrel Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for barrel

Phrases with barrel

  • the lowest possible level or quality

    Example

    I had to take the job because it was the bottom of the barrel.

  • lock, stock, and barrel

    everything, the whole thing

    Example

    They moved to a new city, lock, stock, and barrel.

  • in a difficult or vulnerable position, unable to act independently

    Example

    The company had us over a barrel, so we had to accept their terms.

Origins of barrel

from Old French 'baril', from Frankish 'baril', from Proto-Germanic 'barilaz'

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Summary: barrel in Brief

A 'barrel' [ˈbærəl] is a cylindrical container used for storing liquids or food. It also refers to the amount that a barrel can hold, particularly of oil. Examples include 'The wine was aged in oak barrels.' and 'She bought a barrel of pickles at the market.' Phrases like 'bottom of the barrel' denote the lowest level or quality, while 'lock, stock, and barrel' means everything or the whole thing.

How do native speakers use this expression?