# basin

/ˈbeɪsən/ (US) · /bˈeɪsən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/basin
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. washing bowl

noun · CEFR B1

a large, open bowl used for washing your hands or face, often found in a bathroom.

For teachers: a wide, shallow vessel used for holding water for washing; in modern contexts, often refers to a sink or washbasin.

- She filled the basin with warm water to wash her face before bed.
- The guest bathroom featured a hand-carved stone basin that complemented the rustic aesthetic of the renovated farmhouse.

### 2. drainage area

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

an area of land where all the water from rain or melting snow flows into one river.

For teachers: the entire geographical area drained by a river and its tributaries.

- The Amazon basin is home to the largest rainforest in the world.
- Environmental scientists are monitoring the pollution levels across the entire river basin to identify the primary sources of industrial runoff.

### 3. geological depression

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a low area of land or a dip in the earth's surface.

For teachers: a large-scale structural depression in the Earth's crust, often where sediments have accumulated over millions of years.

- The desert basin was surrounded by high mountains on all sides.
- The sedimentary basin contains vast deposits of limestone, suggesting the region was once covered by a shallow prehistoric sea.

### 4. sheltered water area

noun · CEFR B2

a part of a harbour or dock where the water is kept still for boats.

For teachers: an enclosed or partly enclosed area of water, such as a dock, where the water level is often controlled.

- The small fishing boats were safely tied up in the yacht basin.
- The city council approved plans to convert the old industrial basin into a modern marina with floating docks and waterfront dining.

## Examples

- She filled the basin with warm water to wash her face.
- The Amazon basin covers a vast area of South America, collecting rainfall from thousands of smaller streams.
- Geological surveys indicate that the sedimentary basin has been accumulating mineral deposits for millions of years, creating a unique environment for fossil preservation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.