Bunghole

/ˈbʌŋhoʊl/ noun

Definition

The opening in a barrel, cask, or large container through which liquid is poured in or drained out; the hole that a bung plugs.

Etymology

Compound word: 'bung' (a stopper, itself of unknown origin, possibly Dutch) plus 'hole' (Old English 'hol'); the term has been used since medieval times in barrel-making and cooperage.

Kelly Says

This perfectly mundane technical term sounds funny to modern ears, but it's absolutely serious cooperage terminology—the bunghole placement and size determined how wine aged in barrels.

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