barrelful

[ bar-uhl-fool ]

noun

, plural bar·rel·fuls.

1. the amount that a barrel can hold.
2. any large quantity:

   a barrelful of jokes.

Spelling Note

See -ful.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barrelful¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; barrel, -ful

Example Sentences

I had only purchased one small basket of "Snows" when a large supply, almost a barrelful, came from a distant friend.

From Project Gutenberg

All knew that there was over a barrelful of the inflammable liquid in the tank on the upper deck.

From Project Gutenberg

As the balls exploded, a half-barrelful of flesh and hide was shot from each, leaving two gaping holes.

From Project Gutenberg

Look at old Jan Domeny, he hasn't an apple-tree in his garden, and yet he made a barrelful of cider this October.

From Project Gutenberg

On this occasion the vicar brought a barrelful, which he doled out into cone biscuits all through the afternoon.

From Project Gutenberg