fountain
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for fountain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A structure that shoots or sprays water, often as a decoration in a public space.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use fountain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French fontaine, from Latin fons, "spring" or "source."
Full origin of fountain →Frequently asked questions
What does “fountain” mean?
The word “fountain” means a structure that shoots or sprays water, often as a decoration in a public space. In plain terms, a water feature that sprays or flows, or figuratively, a rich source of something.
How do you pronounce “fountain”?
“Fountain” is pronounced FOWN-tihn ([ˈfaʊn.tn̩] in IPA).
How do you use “fountain” in a sentence?
Here is “fountain” used in a sentence: “Tourists tossed coins into the fountain for good luck.”
What part of speech is “fountain”?
“Fountain” is a noun.
Where does the word “fountain” come from?
The word “fountain” comes from Latin. From Old French fontaine, from Latin fons, "spring" or "source.".
Is “fountain” a common word?
“Fountain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “fountain” have?
“Fountain” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structure that shoots or sprays water, often as a decoration in a public space.
What is the difference between a "fountain" and a "spring"?
A "fountain" usually refers to a built structure that shoots or sprays water, often for decoration in a public space. A "spring" is a natural place where water rises from the ground, though "fountain" can also describe such a natural source in more literary use.
What is the difference between a "fountain" and a "waterfall"?
A "fountain" pushes water upward or sprays it, usually through a man-made structure that often recirculates the same water. A "waterfall" is water falling downward over a drop, and it is typically a natural feature of a river or stream.
Why is someone called a "fountain of knowledge"?
In this figurative sense, a "fountain" is a source or origin from which something flows freely and plentifully. Calling a person "a fountain of knowledge" means they are a rich source of information, and "the fountain of youth" similarly names a legendary source of lasting youth.
What is the difference between a "fountain" and a "drinking fountain"?
A "fountain" on its own usually means a decorative structure that sprays water. A "drinking fountain", also called a "water fountain" or a "bubbler" in some regions, is a fixture that provides a stream of water for people to drink.