Fountain: meaning, definitions and examples

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fountain

 

[ ˈfaʊntən ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

decorative feature

A fountain is a structure that sends water into the air in a decorative way, usually in a garden or public place. Fountains can be elaborate or simple in design and are often used to enhance the beauty of a space.

Synonyms

spray fountain, water feature.

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Word Description / Examples
fountain

A structure that sends water into the air, often seen in public places like parks, squares, and gardens. Suitable for describing traditional water structures.

  • The fountain in the city square is beautifully illuminated at night.
  • Children love to play around the fountain in the park.
water feature

Any design element involving water, including fountains, ponds, waterfalls, and streams, often used in gardens and landscaping to add aesthetic appeal.

  • Their backyard includes a beautiful water feature with a small waterfall and pond.
  • The new office building has an elegant water feature in its lobby.
spray fountain

A type of fountain that emits water in a fine spray, often used for decorative purposes or in water parks for playful activities.

  • The spray fountain at the water park is one of the kids' favorite attractions.
  • They installed a new spray fountain in the community garden for a refreshing effect.

Examples of usage

  • The fountain in the park is a popular spot for people to gather and relax.
  • The sound of the water from the fountain is soothing and calming.
Context #2 | Noun

water source

A fountain can also refer to a natural spring of water that flows to the surface from underground. These fountains are often found in natural settings like forests or mountains.

Synonyms

spring, water source.

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Word Description / Examples
fountain

This word is commonly used to describe a decorative structure where water flows or sprays from, often found in gardens, parks, or public squares.

  • The children played near the fountain in the park
  • The city installed a new fountain in the central square
spring

This word is used to refer to a natural source of water coming from the ground, often associated with fresh and clean water. It can also imply a small natural flow of water emerging from the earth.

  • We found a beautiful spring while hiking in the mountains
  • The villagers collect drinking water from a nearby spring
water source

This term is more general and is used to describe any location where water can be accessed, such as a river, lake, reservoir, or even a well. It often appears in environmental, engineering, or planning contexts.

  • The main water source for the town is the nearby lake
  • Identifying new water sources is crucial for the growing city

Examples of usage

  • The hikers found a crystal-clear fountain in the middle of the forest.
  • The fountain provided fresh water for the village.
Context #3 | Verb

to gush out

To fountain means to gush out or flow like a fountain. It is often used to describe liquids or emotions that come out rapidly and forcefully.

Synonyms

gush, spout.

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Word Description / Examples
fountain

A fountain is typically a decorative structure that sprays water into the air, often found in parks, gardens, and public squares.

  • The children played around the fountain in the park
  • The town center has a beautiful stone fountain
gush

Gush describes a sudden, powerful flow of liquid, often used to describe emotions or liquids like water or blood. It can have a figurative use as well.

  • Water gushed out of the broken pipe
  • She gushed with excitement when she saw her favorite actor
spout

Spout can mean a stream of liquid flowing out with force from a narrow opening, or it can refer to expressing something continuously and energetically. It sometimes carries a negative connotation when describing speech.

  • Water spouted from the whale's blowhole
  • He kept spouting off his opinions without listening to anyone else

Examples of usage

  • Tears began to fountain from her eyes as she spoke about her loss.
  • The water fountain in the garden fountained up into the air.

Translations

Translations of the word "fountain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fonte

🇮🇳 फ़व्वारा

🇩🇪 Brunnen

🇮🇩 air mancur

🇺🇦 фонтан

🇵🇱 fontanna

🇯🇵 噴水 (ふんすい)

🇫🇷 fontaine

🇪🇸 fuente

🇹🇷 çeşme

🇰🇷 분수

🇸🇦 نافورة

🇨🇿 fontána

🇸🇰 fontána

🇨🇳 喷泉 (pēnquán)

🇸🇮 vodnjak

🇮🇸 gosbrunnur

🇰🇿 фонтан

🇬🇪 შადრევანი

🇦🇿 fəvvarə

🇲🇽 fuente

Etymology

The word 'fountain' originated from the Latin word 'fontanus', which means 'of a spring or fountain'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to refer to a source of water. Fountains have been used for both practical and decorative purposes throughout history, with elaborate fountains being popular in ancient civilizations like Rome and Greece.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,562 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.