noun
Uncommon
vat
vat
Vat (noun) means a large container, typically used for holding or processing liquids such as wine, beer, or dye. Example: “The winery stores its grape juice in enormous steel vats.”
noun
1
A large container, typically used for holding or processing liquids such as wine, beer, or dye.
"The winery stores its grape juice in enormous steel vats."
"The leather was soaked in a vat of tanning solution."
verb
1
To put something into a vat, or to blend liquids together in one.
"The distillery vats several batches of whisky together before bottling."
How to use vat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big tub or tank for liquids.
Common pairings
a vat of
wine vat
vat of acid
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Word forms
- Plural
- vats
- Third person singular
- vats
- Past tense
- vatted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The winery stores its grape juice in enormous steel _____.
Etymology
From Old English fæt ("vessel"); the "v" spelling came from a dialect variant, the same shift that turned "fox" into "vixen" in some regions.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “vat” mean?
The word “vat” means a large container, typically used for holding or processing liquids such as wine, beer, or dye. In plain terms, a big tub or tank for liquids.
How do you pronounce “vat”?
“Vat” is pronounced vat (/væt/ in IPA).
How do you use “vat” in a sentence?
Here is “vat” used in a sentence: “The winery stores its grape juice in enormous steel vats.”
What part of speech is “vat”?
Depending on how it is used, “vat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “vat” come from?
The word “vat” comes from Old English. From Old English fæt ("vessel"); the "v" spelling came from a dialect variant, the same shift that turned "fox" into "vixen" in some regions.
Is “vat” a common word?
“Vat” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “vat” have?
“Vat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large container, typically used for holding or processing liquids such as wine, beer, or dye.
What is the difference between a vat and a tank?
A vat is typically an open or semi-open container used for holding or processing liquids such as wine, beer, or dye, while a tank often implies a fully enclosed storage vessel. In practice the terms overlap, but "vat" carries a stronger association with fermenting, dyeing, or industrial processing rather than simple storage.
Can vat be used as a verb?
Yes, as a verb "vat" means to put something into a vat or to blend liquids together in one container. This usage is less common than the noun and mostly appears in brewing, winemaking, and dyeing contexts.
What kinds of liquids are typically kept in a vat?
Vats are commonly used for wine, beer, and dye, as well as other liquids that need to be processed or stored in bulk. Their large capacity makes them suited to industrial or artisanal production rather than everyday household use.
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