watering can — a container with a handle and a spout, used for watering plants
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a container with a handle and a spout, used for watering plants
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɔːtərɪŋ kæn/
Example Sentences
- My little brother tried to drink water from the watering can, thinking it was a fancy cup.
- The old watering can had a hole in it, so every time she used it, water leaked onto her shoes.
- In art class, we painted our watering cans in bright colors before using them in the school garden.
watering can
NOUN[/ˈwɔːtərɪŋ kæn/]
a container with a handle and a spout, used for watering plants
The gardener tips the watering can gently over blooming tulips.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Watering can is a compound term that emerged in 18th-century English as garden culture flourished in Britain. The word combines the gerund form of 'water' (meaning to supply water to plants) with 'can' (a cylindrical container), creating a descriptive name for the specialized gardening tool used to irrigate plants.
Breakdown
water (to supply with water) + -ing (present participle, forming an adjective meaning 'that waters') + can (a metal or plastic container). The structure follows the pattern of attributive gerunds modifying nouns in English.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother tried to drink water from the watering can, thinking it was a fancy cup.”
“The old watering can had a hole in it, so every time she used it, water leaked onto her shoes.”
“In art class, we painted our watering cans in bright colors before using them in the school garden.”
“He accidentally grabbed the watering can instead of his coffee mug on his way to the balcony.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.