# puddle

/ˈpədəɫ/ (US) · /pˈʌdəl/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/puddle
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a small pool of liquid on the ground, usually made of rainwater. You often see them on the street after it rains.

For teachers: a small, shallow accumulation of liquid, typically rainwater, on a surface. Refers to a localized collection of fluid rather than a flowing stream.

## Examples

- The child jumped into a large puddle.
- Be careful not to step in that puddle of oil near the car.
- After the thunderstorm, the uneven pavement was dotted with shallow puddles that reflected the neon signs of the nearby shops.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the preposition 'of' to specify the liquid, such as 'a puddle of mud' or 'a puddle of water'.

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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.