as in barrel
an enclosed wooden vessel for holding beverages the innkeeper opened up a firkin of his special ale for the weary travelers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of firkin Free beer, root beer while supplies last on first day of each stop The first day the beer garden arrives at each location, there will be a firkin tapping with free beer, and also free root beer, while supplies last. Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2023 Festivities start at 5 p.m. with Michelle tapping a firkin of Termination Dust conditioned with black currants & cinnamon. Anchorage Daily News, 30 Sep. 2021 Streetside has challenged six local teams to use firkins as a vessel in which to rest the brewery’s delicious Demogorgon stout on a variety of adjuncts (nutella and strawberry, anyone?). Matt Koesters, Cincinnati.com, 13 Mar. 2020 For the uninitiated, firkins are traditionally wooden casks that hold some of the most interesting beer going these days, so come thirsty. Nick Vadala, Philly.com, 31 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firkin
Noun
  • Now operated by the 3rd generation of the Scott family, who still cook burn-barrel style on big cinderblock pits under the curving metal roof of the pit house.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Amphorae gave way to wooden barrels, and Venetian shipbuilding ensured wines could travel further with less spoilage.
    Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Since 1950, the official start of Oktoberfest has been marked by the mayor of Munich tapping the first keg at Schottenhamel Festhalle, after which beer lovers, from Germany and elsewhere, take to Theresienwiese (also called d'Wiesn) to visit the 35 beer tents and celebrate Bavarian culture.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to Frankenmuth's Oktoberfest, many other cities will tap kegs this fall, including Iron Mountain, Grand Rapids and Saline.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Casa Dragones also created the first ever tequila to be rested in rare Japanese Mizunara whisky casks, creating the brand’s beloved Reposado Mizunara, known for its fruity and butterscotch notes.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The new bourbon was initially aged in new charred oak barrels, as is required by law, before being transferred to French oak Cognac casks for a secondary maturation of about six months.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Firkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firkin. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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