Wheelbarrow or Wheelbarrel
Which Spelling is Correct?
Confused between "wheelbarrow" and "wheelbarrel"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
Incorrect: Wheelbarrel
"Wheelbarrel" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "wheelbarrow" with "row" at the end.
Correct: Wheelbarrow
"Wheelbarrow" is the correct spelling. It refers to a small cart with one wheel used for carrying loads.
Summary
Wheelbarrow is the correct spelling. It refers to a small cart with one wheel and handles, used for carrying loads such as soil, sand, or other materials.
Wheelbarrel is incorrect and should never be used in formal writing.
Definition
Wheelbarrow (noun)
A small cart with one wheel and two handles, used for carrying loads such as soil, sand, gravel, or other materials. It is commonly used in gardening, construction, and landscaping.
Wheelbarrow (verb)
To transport something using a wheelbarrow.
Examples
Correct: "He used a wheelbarrow to carry the soil to the garden."
Correct: "The construction workers loaded the wheelbarrow with concrete."
Correct: "She wheelbarrowed the mulch across the yard."
Incorrect: "He used a wheelbarrel to carry the soil" (should be "wheelbarrow")
Synonyms
For the tool:
- • Garden cart
- • Hand cart
- • Pushcart
- • Trolley
- • Dolly
For carrying:
- • Transport
- • Haul
- • Carry
- • Move
- • Convey
Notes:
- • "Wheelbarrow" is spelled with "row" at the end, not "rel"
- • The word is a combination of "wheel" and "barrow"
- • "Barrow" comes from Old English "bearwe" meaning "stretcher"
- • It can be used as both a noun and a verb
- • The past tense is "wheelbarrowed"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "wheelbarrel" ever correct?
No, "wheelbarrel" is never correct. The correct spelling is always "wheelbarrow" with "row" at the end.
How do you pronounce "wheelbarrow"?
It's pronounced as "WHEEL-bair-oh" with the stress on the first syllable.
What's the difference between a wheelbarrow and a barrel?
A wheelbarrow is a cart with one wheel for carrying loads, while a barrel is a cylindrical container, typically made of wood or metal, used for storing liquids or other materials.
Can "wheelbarrow" be used as a verb?
Yes, "wheelbarrow" can be used as a verb meaning to transport something using a wheelbarrow.
Is it common to misspell "wheelbarrow"?
Yes, many people incorrectly spell it as "wheelbarrel", possibly confusing it with the word "barrel". This is a very common spelling mistake.
Final Summary
Wheelbarrow is the correct spelling. It refers to a small cart with one wheel and handles, used for carrying loads such as soil, sand, or other materials.
Wheelbarrel is always incorrect. Remember to use "row" at the end, not "rel".