pool
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pool, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small body of still water, or a purpose-built structure for swimming.
Synonyms
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 pool
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English pōl, "pool," related to Germanic and Slavic words for a puddle or marsh.
Full origin of pool →Frequently asked questions
What does “pool” mean?
The word “pool” means a small body of still water, or a purpose-built structure for swimming. In plain terms, a body of water for swimming, a shared fund or group of resources, or the game played on a pool table.
How do you pronounce “pool”?
“Pool” is pronounced pool (/pul/ in IPA).
How do you use “pool” in a sentence?
Here is “pool” used in a sentence: “The kids spent all afternoon in the pool.”
What part of speech is “pool”?
Depending on how it is used, “pool” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pool” come from?
The word “pool” comes from Old English. From Old English pōl, "pool," related to Germanic and Slavic words for a puddle or marsh.
Is “pool” a common word?
“Pool” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “pool” have?
“Pool” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small body of still water, or a purpose-built structure for swimming.
What is the difference between a pool and a pond?
Both hold still water, but a pond is usually a natural or landscaped feature that supports plants and wildlife, while a pool tends to be smaller or purpose-built, especially a swimming pool. A pond is part of an ecosystem; a swimming pool is a clean, controlled structure made for people.
What are the different types of pools?
The word covers several things: a natural pool such as a rock pool or a still patch in a stream, and built pools like swimming pools, paddling pools, and reflecting pools. There is also the unrelated sense of a shared resource, as in a car pool. This entry means the water kind.
What is the difference between a pool and a puddle?
Size and permanence set them apart. A puddle is a shallow, temporary patch of water, often left after rain, that soon dries up. A pool is deeper or more lasting, either a small body of still water or a structure built to hold it for swimming. Puddles come and go; pools stay.
What is an example of a pool?
Examples include a backyard swimming pool, a child's paddling pool, a rock pool left behind by the tide, or a quiet pool of still water in a woodland stream. Each fits the meaning: either a small body of standing water or a structure purpose-built to hold water for swimming.