dowse

1
[ dous ]

verb (used with or without object), noundowsed, dows·ing,

Other definitions for dowse (2 of 2)

dowse2
[ douz ]

verb (used without object),dowsed, dows·ing.
  1. to search for underground supplies of water, metal, etc., by the use of a divining rod.

verb (used with object),dowsed, dows·ing.
  1. to search for (as water) by or as if by dowsing.

Origin of dowse

2
First recorded in 1685–95; originally dialect (SW England); origin obscure

Words that may be confused with dowse

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for dowse (1 of 2)

dowse1

/ (daʊs) /


verb, noun
  1. a variant spelling of douse 1

Derived forms of dowse

  • dowser, noun

British Dictionary definitions for dowse (2 of 2)

dowse2

/ (daʊz) /


verb
  1. (intr) to search for underground water, minerals, etc, using a divining rod; divine

Origin of dowse

2
C17: of unknown origin

Derived forms of dowse

  • dowser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012