keg

keg · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A small barrel, typically used for storing beer or other beverages, usually holding about 30 liters (about 8 US gallons) or less.

  2. 2.

    (By extension) The contents of such a barrel.

  3. 3.

    A unit of weight for nails, typically 100 pounds (45 kg).

Forms

plural: kegs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    keg party — A party where beer is served from kegs
  • •
    keg stand — A drinking stunt where a person does a handstand on a keg while drinking from the tap
  • •
    powder keg — A barrel of gunpowder; figuratively, a dangerous or volatile situation

Related words

See also: barrel, beer, cask
Synonyms: barrel, cask, drum

Etymology

From Old Norse kaggi ("cask, keg"), possibly related to Middle Low German kagge. The word entered English in the early 17th century.