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Bucket Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bucket

[ˈbʌkɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

household item

A bucket is a cylindrical container with a handle, typically used for carrying liquids or other materials. Buckets come in various sizes and materials, such as metal, plastic, or wood.

Synonyms

container, pail, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bucket

Can also be used in idiomatic phrases to mean a large quantity or to indicate the end of life (informal use)

  • They ate popcorn by the bucket while watching the movie.
  • He kicked the bucket last night. (This phrase is informal and has a negative connotation as it refers to death.)
pail

Similar to a bucket, but often used to describe smaller, child-friendly, or old-fashioned containers; common in rural or nostalgic contexts

  • The children carried a pail of sand to the sandbox.
  • Grandma always kept a pail of fresh milk in the kitchen.
container

A broad term for any object used for holding, storing, or transporting items; often used in industrial, shipping, and general storage contexts

  • The container was filled with rice and stored in the pantry.
  • Shipping containers are often used to transport goods across the world.
vessel

A term more often used in formal or technical contexts to describe containers, especially those that hold liquids, such as in scientific or nautical settings

  • The lab technician poured the solution into the glass vessel.
  • The ship was considered a sturdy vessel capable of long voyages.

Examples of usage

  • I filled the bucket with water to wash the car.
  • She used the bucket to collect shells at the beach.
  • We need a new bucket for the garden.
Context #2 | Noun

unit of measure

In some regions, a bucket is also a unit of measure for capacity, often equivalent to 10 liters. This usage is common in agriculture and trade.

Synonyms

measure, quantity, volume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bucket

Can also be used metaphorically or idiomatically, especially in phrases like 'kick the bucket,' which means to die.

  • He finally kicked the bucket after a long illness.
measure

Used when referring to the act of determining the size, amount, or degree of something. Can be used in various fields like cooking, science, and construction.

  • Measure the length of the table to see if it fits in the room.
  • The recipe calls for precise measures of each ingredient.
quantity

Used to discuss an amount or number of a material or immaterial object. Often used in contexts involving counting or specifying amounts.

  • We need a large quantity of paper for the printer.
  • The drug should be taken in small quantities.
volume

Typically used to refer to the amount of space that a substance or object occupies, or to the level of sound. Often used in scientific, educational, and audio-related contexts.

  • The volume of the liquid was measured in liters.
  • Turn down the volume; it's too loud in here.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer harvested three buckets of apples.
  • She bought a bucket of paint for the renovation project.
Context #3 | Verb

informal expression

To bucket something means to move or carry it in a bucket. This informal usage is often found in casual conversations or specific contexts.

Synonyms

carry, move, transport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bucket

Used to refer to a container with a handle, usually for liquids or small objects.

  • She used a bucket to carry water from the well
  • He filled the bucket with sand
carry

Used when referring to the action of holding something and taking it with you.

  • He managed to carry all the groceries in one trip
  • She carried her baby carefully in her arms
transport

Used when referring to taking something somewhere, usually for longer distances or professionally.

  • The company uses trucks to transport goods across the country
  • He works in a department that handles the transport of medical supplies
move

Used when referring to changing the position of something or someone.

  • They decided to move the couch to the other room
  • Please move your car so I can park

Examples of usage

  • He bucketed the sand to build a sandcastle.
  • She bucketed the water from the well.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the movie 'The Bucket List,' two men embark on adventures after discovering they have limited time left, turning the idea of a bucket into a symbol of life goals.
  • The phrase 'kick the bucket' is a humorous way of talking about dying, originating possibly from farm practices involving livestock.
  • Buckets have been featured in various artworks, representing everyday objects and the beauty of the mundane.

Science

  • Buckets are often used in experiments to demonstrate principles like buoyancy and force, especially in educational settings.
  • In climate data collection, buckets are used to measure rainfall and gather important weather information.
  • Buckets can also illustrate concepts of volume, showing how much liquid they can hold, which connects to lessons in mathematics and measurement.

History

  • In ancient times, buckets were often made from wood or animal skins, showcasing the resourcefulness of early civilizations.
  • During the Middle Ages, buckets were essential for drawing water from wells, a crucial task for households.
  • The design of buckets has changed over centuries, leading to the modern metal and plastic versions we commonly use today.

Education

  • Buckets are often used in early childhood education to teach counting and volume, making learning hands-on and interactive.
  • They serve as a tool in environmental education, helping kids learn about recycling by collecting materials.
  • In art classes, buckets are useful for mixing paints, blending creativity with practical application.

Origin of 'bucket'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bucket' comes from the Middle English word 'boket,' which means 'a pail or vessel for liquids.'
  • It is believed 'bukit,' an Old French word, may have influenced the term as it translates to 'a pail' or 'something that carries.'
  • Over time, the shape of the vessel has evolved, but the name has remained largely the same.

The word 'bucket' originated from the Old English word 'buc', which meant a vessel or a bulging object. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to the cylindrical container with a handle that we commonly use today. Buckets have been essential tools for carrying and storing liquids and materials for centuries, with various materials and designs adapted to different purposes.

See also: buck, buckler, bucks.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,218 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.