cask

[kask, kahsk]

noun

1. a container made and shaped like a barrel, especially one larger and stronger, for holding liquids.

2. the quantity such a container holds.

   wine at 32 guineas a cask.

verb (used with object)

1. to place or store in a cask.

cask

/ kɑːsk /

noun

1. a strong wooden barrel used mainly to hold alcoholic drink

   a wine cask

2. any barrel

3. the quantity contained in a cask

4. a lightweight cardboard container with plastic lining and a small tap, used to hold and serve wine

5. engineering another name for flask

Other Word Forms

• casklike adjective
• uncask verb (used with object)
• uncasked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cask¹

1425–75; late Middle English; back formation from casket, the -et being taken as the diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cask¹

C15: from Spanish casco helmet, perhaps from cascar to break

Example Sentences

“The Incorrigibles would use their noses to discover what these wooden casks contain, and so can I, if I concentrate,” she thought, sniffing her way along.

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Before the tsunami, 408 spent fuel assemblies had been packed into cement casks on the plant grounds, in what is known as dry cask storage.

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People swapping cask ales for cappuccinos or ordering a burger and a beer via Deliveroo rather than at their local are a new threat to pubs, according to the boss of Greene King.

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Fullers produces London Pride, as well cider and soft drinks brand Cornish Orchards and craft cask brewer Dark Star.

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He argued that it would be a "win-win" if zero tariffs were applied to Scotch arriving in the US in exchange for zero tariffs on US bourbon and used bourbon casks coming to the UK.

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Related Words

• keg