cistern
Cistern (noun) means a tank or reservoir used to store water, especially rainwater, for later use. Example: “The old farmhouse still relied on a cistern for its water supply.”
How to use cistern
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tank that stores water, whether for household supply or inside a toilet.
Word forms
cisterns plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old farmhouse still relied on a _____ for its water supply.
Etymology
From Old French cisterne, from Latin cisterna, from cista ("box"), from Greek kiste.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “cistern” mean?
The word “cistern” means a tank or reservoir used to store water, especially rainwater, for later use. In plain terms, a tank that stores water, whether for household supply or inside a toilet.
How do you pronounce “cistern”?
“Cistern” is pronounced SIHS-tuhn (/ˈsɪs.tɚn/ in IPA).
How do you use “cistern” in a sentence?
Here is “cistern” used in a sentence: “The old farmhouse still relied on a cistern for its water supply.”
What part of speech is “cistern”?
“Cistern” is a noun.
Where does the word “cistern” come from?
The word “cistern” comes from Latin. From Old French cisterne, from Latin cisterna, from cista ("box"), from Greek kiste.
How many meanings does “cistern” have?
“Cistern” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tank or reservoir used to store water, especially rainwater, for later use.