keg

[ keg ]

noun

1. a small cask or barrel, usually holding from 5 to 10 gallons (19 to 38 liters).
2. a unit of weight, equal to 100 pounds (45 kilograms), used for nails.
3. Also kegger. a keg party; beer bust.

keg

/ kɛɡ /

noun

1. a small barrel with a capacity of between five and ten gallons
2. 1. an aluminium container in which beer is transported and stored
   2. Also calledkeg beer beer kept in a keg: it is infused with gas and served under pressure

Word History and Origins

Origin of keg¹

1585–95; earlier cag < Old Norse kaggi

Word History and Origins

Origin of keg¹

C17: variant of Middle English kag, of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse kaggi cask

Idioms and Phrases

see sitting on a powder keg .

Example Sentences

The Jehanabad prison was a powder keg, housing Maoists alongside their class enemies - vigilantes from upper caste Hindu private armies.

From BBC

Even before the first keg was tapped or 10-ounce beer poured, there was already simmering tension between the Rangers and Indians.

From Seattle Times

And for a potentially powder keg Cannes there’s also the firebomb of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.”

From Seattle Times

Instead of being a stressed-out powder keg, he was calm and focused.

From Los Angeles Times

“Everyone knew that Mark Fuhrman was a potential powder keg,” Douglas said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cask