Definition

Noun: A portable container, typically made of metal or plastic, with a handle for carrying and a spout ending in a perforated nozzle (a "rose"). It is used for manually sprinkling water onto plants.

Usage

The term "watering can" refers specifically to the gardening tool. It is used as a countable noun. - She filled the watering can at the outdoor tap. - A good watering can has a balanced handle and a detachable rose.

Examples

• The gardener used a large metal watering can for the seedlings.
• Please remember to empty the watering can after you water the herbs.
• I need to buy a new watering can because the spout on my old one is cracked.

Advanced Usage

• "To give something a watering can": This is not a standard idiom. The object itself is the tool for the action.
• The action is described with the verb "to water":

Variants and Related Words

• Watering pot: An older or less common synonym for "watering can."
• Can: In a gardening context, this can be a shortened, informal form (e.g., "Pass me the can.").
• Rose: The perforated nozzle attachment that creates a gentle shower of water.

Synonyms

• Watering pot
• Sprinkling can

Related Phrases

• "To do the watering": This phrase describes the activity for which a watering can is used.
  • It's your turn to do the watering this evening.

Notes

This is a compound noun. The primary meaning is always the gardening implement. There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs based on this specific term.

Noun

1. a container with a handle and a spout with a perforated nozzle; used to sprinkle water over plants