Definition

Noun: 1. A cart equipped with a tank for transporting water: Specifically, a wheeled vehicle designed to carry a supply of water, historically often used for delivering fresh water for sale or for street-sprinkling to control dust.

Examples of Usage

• In the 19th century, the water cart was a common sight in city streets, delivering fresh water to households.
• The municipal workers used a water cart to dampen the dusty roads during the summer drought.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily historical, describing a vehicle common before the widespread installation of piped water systems. It can be used metaphorically to refer to a basic or old-fashioned method of supply.

Variants and Related Words

• Water wagon (noun): A similar vehicle, often larger; historically associated with temperance movements ("on the water wagon" meaning abstaining from alcohol).
• Sprinkler cart (noun): A cart specifically designed for sprinkling water on streets or fields.

Synonyms

• Water wagon
• Tank cart

Related Idioms

• (To be) on the water cart: An idiom meaning to abstain from drinking alcohol. (Note: This idiom more commonly uses "water wagon").
  • After his health scare, he decided to get on the water cart.

Noun

1. cart with a tank for water (especially with fresh water for sale)