English Reference

Word

fountain

Phoneticsfoun·tain, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈfaʊntən/

UK/fˈaʊntɪn/

Definitions

01ornamental water feature

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a structure in a garden or park that shoots water into the air.

n. an artificial, typically ornamental structure that jets water into the air or allows it to flow into a basin.

“The children enjoyed throwing coins into the fountain in the middle of the square.”

“The city council commissioned a modern fountain for the plaza, featuring synchronized water jets and LED lighting displays.”

Synonyms

water featurejet

02a source of something

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a place or person that provides a lot of something, like information or ideas.

n. a figurative source or origin from which something flows in abundance.

“My grandfather is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to local history.”

“The professor proved to be a fountain of inspiration for her students, many of whom went on to pursue careers in research.”

Synonyms

sourcewellspringreservoir

03drinking water station

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun American English

n. a machine or device that provides a small stream of water for drinking.

n. a device providing a stream of drinking water, often found in public buildings or schools.

“I stopped at the water fountain in the hallway to fill my bottle.”

“The school installed several new drinking fountains equipped with sensors to encourage students to stay hydrated throughout the day.”

Synonyms

drinking fountainwater fountain

04to flow out strongly

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to flow or spray out quickly and strongly like water from a fountain.

v. to gush, spray, or flow outward in a manner resembling a fountain. Intransitive use.

“Water fountained from the broken pipe, soaking everyone nearby.”

“Oil fountained into the air as the drill finally breached the reservoir, marking a successful end to the exploration phase.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Etymology

From Middle English [Term?]; from Old French fontaine (whence modern fontaine); from Late Latin fontana, from Latin fontanus, fontaneus, adjectives from fons (“source, spring”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference