noun

waterhole

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Waterhole (noun) means a natural pool or hollow where water collects, especially one animals visit to drink. Example: “The elephants gathered at the waterhole every evening.”

noun

A natural pool or hollow where water collects, especially one animals visit to drink.

"The elephants gathered at the waterhole every evening."

"During the dry season, the waterhole shrinks to a muddy puddle."

Informally, a bar or pub — a place people gather to drink and socialize.

"They stopped by their favorite waterhole after work."

How to use waterhole

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spot where water collects for animals to drink, or casually, a bar.

Common pairings

gather at the waterhole local waterhole

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: waterholes

Test yourself on “waterhole” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The elephants gathered at the _____ every evening.

Etymology

A plain compound of "water" and "hole." In radio astronomy the term was borrowed by scientist Bernard Oliver in 1971 for a quiet band of the radio spectrum between hydrogen and hydroxyl emission lines, on the idea that alien civilizations might use this "quiet" frequency range to communicate — much like animals gathering at a literal waterhole.

· First attested 1971

Class of 1971 waterhole joined the language around 1971.

Amtrak Davos gonzo Ms

See the full Class of 1971 →

Rhymes for waterhole

ole hole vole mole sole pole cole dole role stole whole Poole

See all rhymes for waterhole →

Frequently asked questions

What does “waterhole” mean?

The word “waterhole” means a natural pool or hollow where water collects, especially one animals visit to drink. In plain terms, a spot where water collects for animals to drink, or casually, a bar.

How do you use “waterhole” in a sentence?

Here is “waterhole” used in a sentence: “The elephants gathered at the waterhole every evening.”

What part of speech is “waterhole”?

“Waterhole” is a noun.

Where does the word “waterhole” come from?

The word “waterhole” dates back to around 1971.

How many meanings does “waterhole” have?

“Waterhole” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a natural pool or hollow where water collects, especially one animals visit to drink.