Word
faucet
US/ˈfɔsət/
UK/fˈɔːsɪt/
Definitions
01water fixture
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun American English
n. the handle or device you turn to get water in a sink or bathtub.
n. a valve or device for controlling the release of a liquid from a pipe or container, typically in a domestic plumbing context.
“The kitchen faucet is leaking, so we need to call a plumber to fix it.”
“The designer selected a brushed-nickel faucet to complement the minimalist aesthetic of the modern bathroom renovation.”
Usage
Commonly used in the US and Canada; speakers in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand almost exclusively use 'tap'.
Teaching tip
While 'tap' is understood globally, 'faucet' is the standard term in North American English for indoor plumbing fixtures.
Synonyms
02gaming economy
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a system in a video game that adds new money or items into the game world.
n. a mechanism within a game economy that introduces new currency or resources to players, often used to balance economic sinks.
“The developers added a daily quest as a new faucet for gold.”
“To prevent hyperinflation, the game designers must carefully balance every new currency faucet with effective gold sinks.”
Usage
Used specifically in game design and cryptocurrency contexts.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English faucet, fawcett, from Old French fausset, of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Late Latin falsāre (“to falsify”) or from a diminutive of Latin faux, faucēs (“throat”). Alternatively, from Old Norse foss, fors (“waterfall”); if so, cognate with English force, foss.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/faucet