wells: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “wells” mean?
The plural form of 'well', primarily meaning deep holes dug to obtain water, oil, or gas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'well', primarily meaning deep holes dug to obtain water, oil, or gas.
Can also refer to sources of abundant supply (e.g., wells of knowledge), vertical shafts or cavities, or to the verb meaning 'to rise up or flow' (e.g., tears well up).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Minor variations in terminology for types of wells (e.g., regional names for water sources).
Connotations
Similar connotations of source, depth, and supply.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “wells” in a Sentence
[They] drilled three new oil wells.Tears welled up in her eyes.The village depends on its wells.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “wells” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Feelings of pride welled up within him as he watched the ceremony.
- Smoke began to well from the cracks in the old chimney.
American English
- Tears welled in her eyes during the emotional scene.
- Water was welling from the newly tapped spring.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In oil & gas industries, refers to production sites. 'The company capped its unprofitable wells.'
Academic
In geology/history, refers to ancient or studied water sources. 'The study analyzed sediment from Roman wells.'
Everyday
Refers to sources of drinking water, especially in rural contexts. 'The farm has two deep wells.'
Technical
In engineering, refers to drilled shafts for resource extraction or monitoring. 'Monitoring wells were installed to test groundwater.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “wells”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “wells”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wells”
- Using 'well' as a plural (e.g., 'two well' instead of 'two wells').
- Confusing 'wells' (noun) with 'well' (adverb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's less common. The verb 'to well' (e.g., 'tears well up') means to rise and flow, often used for liquids or emotions.
A 'well' is a human-made hole dug to reach water. A 'spring' is a natural point where water flows from the ground to the surface.
Absolutely. Common types include oil wells, gas wells, and metaphorically, sources like 'wells of knowledge' or 'wells of strength'.
No. 'Wells' is the plural of the noun 'well'. It can also be a proper noun (e.g., H.G. Wells, Wells Cathedral) or the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to well' (e.g., 'Water wells from the ground').
The plural form of 'well', primarily meaning deep holes dug to obtain water, oil, or gas.
Wells is usually neutral in register.
Wells: in British English it is pronounced /wɛlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /wɛlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Well of information”
- “Wells run dry”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture multiple 'wells' with 'ells' (the letters 'ell') like holes in the ground, all lined up in a row.
Conceptual Metaphor
Sources of intangible things are wells (e.g., a well of compassion, a well of creativity).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'wells' used as a verb?