Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

cask

noun \ ˈkask \
|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

Definition of cask

1 : a barrel-shaped vessel of staves, headings, and hoops usually for liquids
2 : a cask and its contents; also : the quantity contained in a cask

See cask defined for English-language learners

See cask defined for kids

Examples of cask in a Sentence

  1. an oak cask for wine

  2. They drank a cask of wine.

Recent Examples of cask from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cask.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cask

Middle English caske, perhaps from Medieval French casque helmet, from Spanish casco potsherd, skull, helmet

cask Synonyms

Synonyms

barrel, butt, hogshead, keg, pipe, puncheon, tun;

Related Words

scuttlebutt;

cistern, tub, vat;

can, drum;

CASK Defined for English Language Learners

cask

noun

Definition of cask for English Language Learners

  • : a container that is shaped like a barrel and is used for holding liquids; also : the contents of a cask

CASK Defined for Kids

cask

noun \ ˈkask \

Definition of cask for Students

1 : a container that is shaped like a barrel and is usually used for liquids
2 : the amount contained in a cask

Learn More about cask

  1. See words that rhyme with cask Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cask Spanish Central: Translation of cask Nglish: Translation of cask for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cask for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cask? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

halcyon

play

peaceful, happy, or prosperous

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. socialism 'a way of organizing a society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government'

  2. uphold 'to let stand'

  3. due process 'a course of formal proceedings (as judicial proceedings)'

  4. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  5. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

cask

Test Your Vocabulary

Test Your Emoji Exceptionalism

  • test-your-emoji-exceptionalism-written-with-a-lot-of-emoji
  • What is this emoji intended to represent: 🤳
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games