watering-place

watering-place

A farmer leads his cattle to the watering-place at the edge of the field.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A place where animals can drink water: "watering-place" refers to a location, such as a pond, stream, or trough, where animals go to drink water.
    • A spa or health resort: In historical or formal usage, "watering-place" denotes a resort town with mineral springs, often visited for therapeutic bathing or drinking of the water.
    • A seaside resort: It can also mean a coastal town or beach destination popular for swimming, relaxation, or vacationing.
    • A port where ships take on fresh water: In maritime contexts, "watering-place" is a stop where vessels replenish their supply of drinking water.
Usage Examples

  • Animal drinking spot:

    • The herd of elephants gathered at the watering-place by the river. (The animals came to a specific location to drink.)

  • Spa or health resort:

    • In the 19th century, Bath was a famous watering-place for the wealthy. (Bath was a resort town known for its mineral springs.)

  • Seaside resort:

    • Brighton became a popular watering-place for Londoners in the summer. (Brighton was a beach destination for holidays.)

  • Maritime stop:

    • The ship stopped at a small island as a watering-place before continuing its voyage. (The vessel paused to take on fresh water.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to visit a watering-place": to go to a spa or resort for health or recreation.

    • The doctor advised her to visit a watering-place for her rheumatism. (She was recommended to go to a health resort.)

  • "a fashionable watering-place": a resort town that is popular among high society.

    • During the Regency era, Cheltenham was a fashionable watering-place. (Cheltenham was a trendy spa destination.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Watering hole (n): a colloquial term for a place where people gather to drink alcohol (e.g., a pub), or for an animal drinking spot.

    • The locals met at their favorite watering hole after work. (They went to a pub.)

  • Water (n/v): the liquid itself or the act of supplying water.

    • The farmer waters his cattle at the watering-place every evening. (He provides water to the animals.)
Synonyms
  • Resort: a place people visit for relaxation or health.
  • Spa: a resort with mineral springs.
  • Trough: a long, narrow container for animal drinking water.
  • Port: a harbor where ships stop for supplies.
Related Idioms

  • "to find a watering-place": to locate a source of refreshment or rest.

    • After a long hike, they found a watering-place in a shady grove. (They discovered a spot to rest and drink.)

  • "a watering-place for the soul": a metaphorical phrase meaning a place that provides spiritual or emotional renewal.

    • The quiet library was a watering-place for the soul. (It was a place of mental refreshment.)