Definition: A round vessel or cask, of greater length than breadth, and bulging in the middle, made of staves bound with hoops, and having flat ends or heads. Sometimes applied to a similar cylindrical container made of metal, usually called a drum.

Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look! Today we're tackling the word "barrel," and it’s more than just a simple name! The dictionary gives us a pretty detailed description, so let’s unpack it piece by piece. Think of it this way: A “barrel” is essentially a big, sturdy container – a round vessel , you see. It's longer than it is wide, and has a noticeable bulge in the middle, like a proud little tummy! It’s built with pieces called "staves," those are like planks that fit together tightly. And to keep everything nice and snug, we use “hoops” – rings of metal or wood that hold them all in place. Finally, it has flat ends, sometimes called "heads," which help it stand strong and tall. Now, the dictionary also tells us that “barrel” can be used for things other than wood! Sometimes we’ll see a metal barrel – like a “drum,” they call it - and it's built in a similar way, holding its shape with hoops and sturdy ends. So, to recap: A barrel is a cylindrical container, strong and stout, made of staves, hoops, and heads – there's no room for doubt! Do you have any questions about this? Perhaps you want to think about what we use barrels for ? Let’s discuss!