watering-can
Definition
- Noun:
- A container with a spout and a handle, designed for watering plants. It typically has a long spout with a rose (a perforated nozzle) to disperse water gently over soil or foliage.
Usage Examples
- (Using the container to apply water to plants.)
- (Referring to the physical object and its condition.)
Advanced Usage
- "to use a watering-can as a metaphor": In literature or casual speech, "watering-can" can symbolize care, nurturing, or gentle distribution.
- Her words were like a watering-can, sprinkling encouragement on the team's morale. (Using the object as a simile for gentle support.)
Variants and Related Words
- Watering-pot (n): an older or alternative term for "watering-can."
- The antique watering-pot was made of copper. (A synonym for watering-can.)
Synonyms
- Water container: a general term for any vessel used to hold and pour water.
- Sprinkler can: a specific type of watering-can with a rose for fine spray.
Related Idioms
- "To water with a watering-can": Not a common idiom, but the phrase "to pour from a watering-can" is used literally or figuratively to describe a gentle, controlled flow.
- He poured the liquid from a watering-can to avoid splashing. (Literal use.)
Note on Usage
- The word "watering-can" is a compound noun, and the hyphen is standard in modern English to connect the two parts ("watering" and "can"). It is always used as a singular countable noun (plural: watering-cans).