What does keg mean?
A keg is a small barrel or cask, most commonly one used to hold beer. The word can refer strictly to the container, as in 'a full keg of lager,' or informally to the beer inside it, as in 'we bought a keg for the party.' In American English, it can also refer to a drinking party, although that meaning is more casual and often implies a sizeable supply of beer or other drinks. Because a keg is usually smaller than a general barrel, the term often suggests a practical container for serving a group rather than long-term bulk storage. It is especially associated with pubs, festivals, sports events, and social gatherings where a cask is tapped and poured directly. Although the word is familiar in both British and American English, the party sense and the expression 'keg party' are particularly associated with American informal usage.
A small barrel or cask, especially one used for storing or serving beer.
"The bartender rolled a keg into the pub."
The container sense is standard in British and American English.
Informally, a quantity of beer or another alcoholic drink contained in a keg.
"The band played until the keg ran out."
This use is informal and especially common in American English.
Informally, a party or gathering where drinks, particularly beer, are served in quantity.
"Their graduation was followed by a keg at the park."
This meaning is chiefly associated with casual American usage and is often used in the expression 'keg party.'
The regular plural is used when referring to individual containers or to multiple quantities of beer.
"Two kegs were delivered before the event."
A keg is both a container and, informally, a measure of beer—making it one of the few words that can name the vessel and the drink it holds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of keg
The English word appears in Middle English in forms such as 'kegge' and ultimately refers to a small cask or barrel. Its precise origin is uncertain, although it is generally understood to be borrowed or influenced by continental European words for a cask. The modern senses concerning beer and drinking parties developed from the original sense of the container.
How keg is actually used
The word is common in British and American English. In American usage, 'keg' can informally mean beer itself or a party centered on drinking; these extended uses are especially associated with casual and social contexts.
Easily confused with keg
A cask is a general term for a wooden barrel, while a keg is typically a relatively small cask, especially one used for beer.