Skip to main content
barrel

barrel

107 4.6
A long metal tube in a gun that the bullet travels through when fired
  • noun
  • /ˈbærəl/
translation icon : cañón
  • Kendall has developed a method for fatigue testing gun barrels under simulated pressure-time loading.
  • a gun barrel
  • a rifle barrel
  • a short barrel

So you just go short barrel, you're able to move around there.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • The only power I believe in comes out of the barrel of a gun.

  • When mass production arrived, a gun barrel ceased to be the product of an individual artist.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Some people believe that power grows from the barrel of a gun.

  • And we had a a red laser dot that was on the front of the barrel of the rifle.

  • The man spun around, putting the gun barrel against the side of Sadler's head.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The bullets flaring from the gun barrels are seen like streaks of light.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Armed guards poured into the room, rifle barrels searching out individual targets.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Cutter raises his head and finds himself staring into the barrel of a revolver.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • From this angle, the tank, with its large protruding gun barrel, resembles a giant rhinoceros.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The soldier aimed carefully down the barrel of his rifle before taking the shot.

Synonyms

gun barrel
vsbarrel
5 3.9

A long metal tube in a gun that a bullet travels through when fired

is the same part but described generally without naming its material

Idioms

9 6.6

The worst choices left after better ones are gone

over a barrel
  • Informal
7 7.9

Helpless and unable to act because someone else is in control

barrel of laughs
  • Informal
6 4.2

Someone or something that is very funny and enjoyable

Use the least good options because nothing better is left

8.7

In a situation where you cannot act freely and must accept someone else's decision

Compounds

pork barrel
  • Jargon
12 7.9

Government money used for local projects to please voters

5 3.9

A long metal tube in a gun that a bullet travels through when fired

barrel roll
  • Specialized
2 7.8

A flying stunt where a plane makes one full turn while rolling as it moves forward

2 1.1

A large round bin for holding rubbish until someone collects it

2 3.3

A large container that collects rainwater from roofs for later use

1 2.7

A large round container that holds beer for keeping or moving

1 6.3

A very fun and enjoyable situation or activity

1 3.1

A barrel that stores and ages wine

1 6.8

A large round cactus with ribs and sharp spines that grows in deserts

barrel knot
  • Jargon
1 8.6

A knot people who fish use to join two lines by wrapping the ends together

Having a round shape that is wider in the middle like a drum

A person who makes and fixes wooden barrels and tubs

5.0

A person or thing that brings joy and warmth to others

barrel organ
  • Archaic
8.6

A machine that makes music when you turn a handle

barrel vault
  • Specialized
7.9

A curved ceiling made by one long arch, like half a cylinder

A large round cactus with golden spines and pale yellow flowers often grown in gardens

A large wooden barrel that holds cucumbers or vegetables in vinegar

How Long

barrel
107 4.6
carbine
9 8.6

Surface Forms

barrel singular
barrels plural

Etymology

Barrel for a gun comes from the picture of a hollow container: the long, round 'tube' of a firearm looks like a small barrel, so we call the part the 'barrel' where the bullet travels.