Sink: meaning, definitions and examples

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sink

[sɪŋk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

kitchen

A fixed basin with a water supply and drainpipe for washing dishes, food, and other household tasks.

Synonyms

basin, bowl, washbasin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sink	Commonly used in kitchens or bathrooms for washing hands, dishes, or other items. It typically includes a tap and a drain. I need to wash these vegetables in the sink. Please clean the dishes in the kitchen sink.
basin	Often used to describe a bathroom fixture for washing hands or face. It can also refer to a large, usually metal container for holding water. He splashed his face with water from the basin. The farmer filled the basin with water for the livestock.
washbasin	Typically used to describe a fixed bowl in a bathroom, used for washing hands and face. Similar to 'basin', but more specific to bathroom usage. The hotel room had a washbasin next to the shower. She brushed her teeth at the washbasin.
bowl	Generally refers to a deep, round dish that holds food or liquid. Not usually connected to plumbing. She served the salad in a large bowl. He poured himself a bowl of cereal.

Examples of usage

The sink was full of dirty dishes.
She washed the vegetables in the sink.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

ship

A compartment in a ship or boat where dishes are washed and other dirty household tasks are done.

Synonyms

galley sink, kitchenette.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sink	Similar to the first 'sink', just emphasizing its general usage. He fixed the leak under the bathroom sink She installed a new stainless steel sink in her newly renovated kitchen
galley sink	Specifically refers to the sink found in the kitchen of a ship, airplane, or other transportation. It highlights the limited space and functionality. The chef washed the vegetables in the galley sink of the yacht Flight attendants use the galley sink to prepare beverages
kitchenette	Refers to a small cooking area which might include a small sink, mini fridge, and minimal countertop space. It is common in small apartments, hotel rooms, and office spaces. The studio apartment comes with a cozy kitchenette We used the kitchenette in the hotel room to prepare a quick breakfast

Word

Description / Examples

sink

Similar to the first 'sink', just emphasizing its general usage.

He fixed the leak under the bathroom sink
She installed a new stainless steel sink in her newly renovated kitchen

galley sink

Specifically refers to the sink found in the kitchen of a ship, airplane, or other transportation. It highlights the limited space and functionality.

The chef washed the vegetables in the galley sink of the yacht
Flight attendants use the galley sink to prepare beverages

kitchenette

Refers to a small cooking area which might include a small sink, mini fridge, and minimal countertop space. It is common in small apartments, hotel rooms, and office spaces.

The studio apartment comes with a cozy kitchenette
We used the kitchenette in the hotel room to prepare a quick breakfast

Examples of usage

He spent hours scrubbing the pots in the ship's sink.
The crew takes turns cleaning the sink after meals.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

money

To go down or descend, especially below the surface of a liquid.

Synonyms

descend, drop, submerge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sink	Use this term when referring to objects or people going down below the surface of water or another liquid. It can also be used metaphorically for declining situations or feelings. The ship began to sink after hitting the iceberg. Her heart sank when she heard the bad news.
submerge	This term is specifically used for something being completely covered or hidden under water or another liquid. It's also used metaphorically for being overwhelmed or deeply involved in something. The submarine can submerge to great depths. He was submerged in paperwork all day.
descend	This word is suitable for describing a movement from a higher to a lower place, often in a controlled or gradual manner. It's also used in metaphoric or formal expressions. The airplane began to descend towards the runway. Darkness descended over the city as night approached.
drop	This word is used when something falls from a higher place to a lower one, usually by accident or suddenly. It may also describe a decrease in numbers or levels. She accidentally dropped the vase, and it shattered. There was a significant drop in temperature overnight.

Examples of usage

The ship began to sink as the water flooded in.
The rock sank to the bottom of the pond.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sink' comes from the Old English 'sincan,' which means to go down or descend.
In Middle English, 'sink' was used not only for the action of sinking but also for the physical object designed to hold water.

Historical Significance

In ancient Rome, sinks were called 'lavamens' and were used for washing hands and dishes in public baths.
The invention of indoor plumbing in the 19th century transformed sinks from basic wash basins to essential fixtures in homes.

Pop Culture

Sinks have appeared in numerous TV shows and movies as a central location for conversations, such as in the sitcom 'Friends' where many key moments took place by the kitchen sink.
The term 'sink or swim' is a popular phrase used to describe a situation where someone must succeed without help.

Science

Sinks are essential in physics as examples of gravity in action, showing how objects can fall or move downwards.
The concept of a sink in oceanography refers to areas where materials, like carbon, accumulate, impacting the marine ecosystem.

Literature

In many poems, a sink can symbolize a place of introspection where characters confront their feelings, often reflecting on their lives.
The famous line from a poem references a sink as a metaphor for despair, highlighting how it can hold things that are washed away, similar to forgotten emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "sink" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pia

afundar
lavatório

🇮🇳 सिंक

🇩🇪 Spüle

🇮🇩 bak cuci

🇺🇦 мийка

🇵🇱 zlew

🇯🇵 シンク

🇫🇷 évier

🇪🇸 fregadero

🇹🇷 lavabo

🇰🇷 싱크대

🇸🇦 حوض

🇨🇿 dřez

🇸🇰 drez

🇨🇳 水槽

🇸🇮 pomivalno korito

🇮🇸 vaskur

🇰🇿 жуғыш

🇬🇪 ჭურჭლის სარეცხი ნიჟარა

🇦🇿 qabyuyan

🇲🇽 fregadero

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,324 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5321 obscure
5322 obedience
5323 desperate
5324 sink
5325 deserve
5326 stops
5327 explanations
...