fountain: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal. Common in everyday description, literature, and formal architectural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “fountain” mean?
A natural or artificial structure that sends a jet or stream of water into the air.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A natural or artificial structure that sends a jet or stream of water into the air.
A source or origin of something, often seen as abundant or continuously flowing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. 'Drinking fountain' is common in US English; 'water fountain' is used in both but more common in US. In UK contexts, specific names like 'Trafalgar Square fountains' are culturally salient.
Connotations
Both share connotations of beauty, public spaces, and ornamentation. In extended use, implies a plentiful, pure, or inspiring source.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects. The metaphorical use ('fountain of knowledge') is equally understood.
Grammar
How to Use “fountain” in a Sentence
fountain of (knowledge/wisdom/youth)fountain in (the square/park)fountain with (lights/figures)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fountain” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The water fountained gracefully into the basin.
- Blood fountained from the wound in the film.
American English
- The celebratory champagne fountained over the winners.
- Oil fountained from the new well.
adverb
British English
- The water shot fountain-high into the air.
- (Rare usage, typically hyphenated or compound).
American English
- The champagne erupted fountain-style from the bottle.
- (Rare, often in compound forms).
adjective
British English
- The fountain mechanism needed repair.
- They admired the fountain sculpture.
American English
- We bought a new fountain pen.
- The fountain display was synchronized to music.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The company was a fountain of innovation.'
Academic
Used literally in art/architecture history; metaphorically in humanities: 'He was considered a fountain of philosophical thought.'
Everyday
Common: describing public squares, parks, or garden features.
Technical
In engineering/landscape architecture: specifics about pumps, nozzles, hydraulics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fountain”
- Using 'fountain' to mean a tap/faucet (use 'tap' or 'faucet').
- Misspelling as 'fountian'.
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in casual conversation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'spring' is a natural source of water flowing from the ground. A 'fountain' is typically a constructed structure designed to jet or stream water, often using pumps.
Yes, but 'fount' is an archaic or poetic variant, now almost exclusively used in the metaphorical sense (e.g., 'fount of knowledge'). 'Fountain' is the standard modern term.
Yes, it can be used intransitively to mean 'to flow or jet like a fountain' (e.g., 'Water fountained into the air'). This usage is more common in literary or descriptive contexts.
It's an iconic cultural landmark often featured in textbooks and films, serving as a common, concrete example of the word 'fountain' and a point of cultural reference for Rome.
A natural or artificial structure that sends a jet or stream of water into the air.
Fountain is usually neutral to formal. common in everyday description, literature, and formal architectural contexts. in register.
Fountain: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊn.tən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaʊn.tən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fountain of youth”
- “fountain of knowledge”
- “fount of all wisdom”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A mountain has a peak, a FOUNTAIN has a PEAK of water that sprays.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/IDEAS/LIFE IS WATER FROM A SOURCE (e.g., a fountain of information).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a DIRECT synonym for 'fountain' in its most common physical sense?