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Pail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pail

[peɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bucket

A pail is a cylindrical container with a handle, typically used for carrying liquids or other materials.

Synonyms

bucket, container, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pail

Commonly used in rural or agricultural settings to describe a small, open-top container used for carrying liquids or other substances.

  • The farmer filled the pail with fresh milk.
  • Children used a pail to carry sand at the beach.
bucket

A versatile term for a container with a handle, used in various contexts such as household chores, construction, and gardening.

  • She used a bucket to mop the floor.
  • The workers mixed cement in a large bucket.
container

A general term for any object that can hold things inside it. Suitable for a wide range of uses, including storage, shipping, and organizational purposes.

  • He stored the leftover food in a container.
  • The shipping container was loaded with goods.
vessel

A formal or technical term often used in scientific, medical, or nautical contexts to describe a container that holds liquid or other substances.

  • The laboratory used a glass vessel for the chemical reaction.
  • The old ship was considered a sturdy vessel.

Examples of usage

  • I filled up the pail with water from the well.
  • She carried the pail of milk across the farmyard.
Context #2 | Noun

measurement

In historical contexts, a pail is a unit of liquid measure equivalent to 2 gallons or 8 quarts.

Synonyms

measure, unit, volume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pail

A container used for carrying liquids or other materials, often with a handle.

  • She filled the pail with water
  • The children used pails to build sandcastles
measure

To determine the size, amount, or degree of something, often using a tool.

  • He measured the length of the table
  • The cook measured out the ingredients carefully
unit

A single, distinct part of something, often used in the context of measurements or standards.

  • The length is measured in units of meters
  • Each apartment is a separate unit in the building
volume

The amount of space that a substance or object occupies, often used in scientific contexts.

  • The volume of the container is two liters
  • The volume of the liquid decreased after evaporation

Examples of usage

  • The recipe called for one pail of water for the mixture.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Use

  • Pails were commonly made from wood, metal, or leather, depending on the region and time period.
  • In agrarian societies, farmers often used pails to transport milk, water, and grains, making them essential tools for daily life.
  • The introduction of metal buckets in the 19th century revolutionized water transportation and fire-fighting techniques.

Pop Culture

  • The iconic image of a pail can be seen in children's cartoons, often as part of seaside adventures where kids collect seashells.
  • The phrase 'bucket list' popularized in movies refers to things to do before one 'kicks the bucket', playing on the idea of filling a pail with experiences.
  • Pails often appear in folk songs and tales, representing hard work and community activities.

Science

  • In physics, the concept of water pressure can be demonstrated with a pail, highlighting how the deeper you go, the greater the pressure from the water above.
  • The use of pails in experiments can help illustrate concepts like buoyancy and density when submerging different objects.
  • Pails are utilized in laboratory settings to store and mix chemicals safely within a controlled environment.

Art and Literature

  • Artists and writers have long used pails as metaphors for potential, suggesting they can hold dreams or burdens.
  • In children's literature, pails appear in stories as symbols of adventure and exploration, often tied to nature.
  • Famous artworks may depict scenes of farm life featuring pails, capturing the essence of rural experiences and labor.

Origin of 'pail'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old French word 'pail', which means a bucket or a container.
  • In Middle English, it was used as 'pale', a term that referred to a small barrel or a holding vessel.
  • Related words from the same root also appear in Old Norse, indicating a long history across cultures.

The word 'pail' originated from Middle English 'paile', from Old French 'poialle', which came from Latin 'patella' meaning 'small pan'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a bucket or container with a handle. The use of pails has been widespread throughout history for tasks such as carrying water, milk, or other liquids.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,943, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.