Definition

1. Noun:
   • A public fixture providing drinking water: A "drinking fountain" is a device, typically found in public places, designed to supply a stream of water for people to drink directly from it.

Usage

• A "drinking fountain" is a compound noun. It refers to the specific object itself. It is commonly used in contexts describing public amenities, parks, schools, offices, and other shared spaces.
• Example:
• Example:

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically or humorously to describe a natural source of water, though this is less common.
  • Example: The mountain stream served as a natural drinking fountain for the hikers.

Variants and Related Words

• Water fountain: This is a common synonym in American English. Note: In some contexts, "water fountain" can also refer to a decorative fountain.
• Bubbler: A regional term used primarily in parts of the United States (e.g., Wisconsin, Rhode Island) to mean a drinking fountain.

Synonyms

• Water cooler: While a "water cooler" often provides chilled water in containers, it serves a similar purpose in office settings but is not typically a public fountain.
• Spring: A natural source of water, not a manufactured fixture.

Notes

• "Drinking fountain" is a fixed compound noun. The word "drinking" here functions as a gerund (a verb form acting as a noun) to modify "fountain," specifying the fountain's purpose.

Noun

1. a public fountain to provide a jet of drinking water