barrel
noun, verb
UK/ˈbær.əl/US/ˈbær.əl/
As a noun, a barrel is a large, cylindrical container traditionally made of wooden staves bound by metal hoops, used for storing or transporting liquids such as oil, wine, or beer; it can also refer to a unit of measure for certain liquids. As a verb, it means to move or travel somewhere very quickly and often recklessly or forcefully.
Example Sentences
They used a wooden barrel to store the freshly brewed ale.
A standard oil barrel in the United States contains 42 gallons of petroleum.
He barreled through the crowd, determined not to be late for the show.
If you barrel into a conversation uninvited, you risk making a poor first impression.
Inside the old barn, we found an antique barrel once used for salting fish, a reminder of the farm’s history.
They barreled along the winding country road at high speed, narrowly avoiding a few sharp turns.
The crowd parted as a group of enthusiastic fans barreled toward the stage, hoping to secure front-row spots before the concert began in earnest.
Despite the uneven terrain and tight corners, the cyclist barreled ahead with remarkable agility, refusing to slow down until he crossed the finish line.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A round storage vessel or swift forward motion, typically cylindrical in shape.“Barrel” operates as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it describes a large, typically cylindrical container with flat ends, used for storing and transporting liquids (like wine, oil) or dry goods (such as grain). In everyday contexts, you might say, “We used a wooden barrel to age the whiskey,” highlighting the barrel’s role in imparting flavors. Barrels can be constructed from various materials—wooden staves bound by metal hoops are traditional, while modern ones may be made of steel or plastic.As a verb, “to barrel” suggests moving quickly and often recklessly forward, as in “He barreled down the highway,” or “They barreled through the crowd to reach the stage.” The verb form conveys high-speed, sometimes forceful motion, implying limited caution.In formal writing, you might note, “The trucks barreled through adverse weather conditions to deliver emergency supplies,” emphasizing both urgency and a certain element of risk. In casual contexts, “barrel” can underscore someone’s hurried approach: “She came barreling into the room with exciting news.” When referencing a container, specify its purpose—storing wine or beer, for instance—and any unique qualities like charred interiors for flavor or distinctive wood types. For shipping or storage contexts, mention capacity (e.g., 55-gallon drum) and the item’s typical uses.Whether you’re describing a literal container or the act of charging ahead, “barrel” is a succinct, impactful term. In business or journalism, “barrels of oil” is a standard measure for global energy supplies. In literature, describing characters as “barreling forward” can build urgency or tension. By applying “barrel” accurately, you capture speed, capacity, or strength—three qualities often tied to this word across multiple fields and tones.
Alternatives
When seeking alternatives to “barrel,” you can choose from several words that capture either the container aspect or the idea of forward momentum. If you want to describe a similar storage vessel, consider “cask,” typically reserved for aging alcoholic beverages like wine or whiskey. “Drum” often denotes a cylindrical container made of metal or plastic—common in industrial settings for chemicals and oil. If you need something smaller or more old-fashioned, “keg” can work, especially when referring to beer or other carbonated drinks.For verbs that suggest rapid, forceful movement, words like “rush,” “charge,” “hurtle,” or “plow” might suit your context. “Rush” implies a sense of urgency, while “charge” can add a more aggressive vibe. “Hurtle” emphasizes speed and potential danger, whereas “plow” draws attention to pushing through obstacles. Depending on your tone—casual, dramatic, or businesslike—one of these synonyms may be more appropriate than simply reusing “barrel.”If you’re discussing very large containers without specifying shape, “vat” can be an option, though it typically references industrial or commercial use, especially for liquids. “Tank” can also apply to storage contexts, though it often conjures images of metal and sealed tops. By choosing alternatives carefully, you highlight either the specific container type or the manner of rapid movement, matching your intended emphasis or audience expectation. This variety keeps your writing fresh and expressive while maintaining precision about form, function, or motion.
Writing
When writing about “barrel,” precision and context guide readers toward your intended meaning—whether you’re describing a physical container or using it as a verb to capture lively motion. For a literal container, give specifics about size, material, and purpose: “A 50-gallon oak barrel, charred on the inside, imparts a rich smokiness to bourbon.” Such detail grounds your description in sensory reality—sight (wooden staves, metal hoops), smell (the earthy aroma of oak), or even taste (the resulting flavor in drinks). If your piece examines trade or environmental topics, “barrels of crude oil” might illustrate global economics or resource management, so adding background figures or global impact can reinforce your argument.When focusing on the verb “to barrel,” harness its connotations of speed and force. In narrative writing, “The protagonist barreled through the dense forest, branches snapping underfoot,” can depict urgency, danger, or determination. In more formal texts, you might say, “The project barreled toward completion despite budget constraints,” casting a determined, unstoppable tone on a process.To maintain clarity, especially if both meanings appear in the same text, ensure readers can distinguish between them by context or brief explanatory clauses. For example, “After sealing the wine barrels, the workers barreled across the vineyard to finish the day’s harvest.” This double usage is playful yet clear, showcasing the versatility of the word. Blending “barrel” into your prose effectively demands an awareness of how sound, pacing, and imagery come together to shape interpretation. Strike that balance, and “barrel” becomes a concise, vivid anchor for your writing—whether telling a story, reporting facts, or offering persuasive commentary.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “barrel” usually pops up in two main ways: referencing a container or describing someone moving quickly. You might say, “We bought a new barrel for rainwater collection,” if you’re discussing gardening or sustainability measures at home. It’s a straightforward way to reference a sturdy container without sounding overly technical. People also use the term metaphorically: “He’s barreling through his chores so he can start gaming,” suggesting a rapid, somewhat hasty approach.In casual chats, you can swap “barrel” for simpler words like “drum” or “cask” if you want to sound a bit more colloquial or highlight a different style of container—like a rustic cask for decorative purposes. When it comes to describing motion, you could mention, “She barreled into the kitchen looking for snacks,” drawing an image of someone bursting in. This phrase often implies enthusiasm, urgency, or even a certain lack of grace. If you want to capture the same idea more gently, you might just say, “She rushed in,” but “barreled” has extra punch. Family, friends, or neighbors might also talk about “barreling down the road” to describe a car driving dangerously fast. Whether you’re describing an actual container or a metaphorical rush, “barrel” is a fun, punchy term that everyone understands. Used casually, it keeps the mood light and direct, painting an instant picture of physical containers or energetic motion in everyday life.
Etymology
The word “barrel” stems from Old French “baril,” which referred to a cylindrical container. Scholars note that its earliest documented appearances emerged around the 14th century, though similar containers undoubtedly existed earlier in various cultures. Over time, “baril” was anglicized to “barrel,” retaining its association with storing or transporting goods—especially liquids such as wine, oil, or ale. Because wooden barrels were vital for trade—easily rolled, stacked, and loaded—this container shape persisted across centuries and continents. In maritime commerce, barrels safely stored provisions during long voyages, while on land they enabled relatively stable transport by horse-drawn wagons. As industrialization advanced, metal drums gradually joined wooden barrels, broadening the term’s scope to any sizable cylindrical container used in shipping or storage.The verb “to barrel,” meaning to move quickly or forcefully, is believed to have evolved from the way barrels roll or are moved with momentum. This sense of unstoppable motion later expanded to describe cars, people, or processes speeding ahead. Despite modern packaging technologies, “barrel” remains iconic, symbolizing the global flow of goods—especially in references to barrels of oil—and preserving its historical resonance in language, commerce, and daily life.
