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

bottom of the barrel, lock, stock, and barrel, over a barrel

Formal and Informal Expressions of barrel

In different contexts, you can replace 'barrel' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'cylinder' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'canister, container' is a commonplace synonym.

barrel: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

bottom of the 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.
over a 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.