Showing Results for "dowse"

See Also:

• a variation of douse.

dowse

¹ American  

[dous] / daʊs /

verb (used with or without object)

dowsed, dowsing

1. douse.

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dowse ² American  

[douz] / daʊz /

verb (used without object)

dowsed, dowsing

1. to search for underground supplies of water, metal, etc., by the use of a divining rod.

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verb (used with object)

dowsed, dowsing

1. to search for (as water) by or as if by dowsing.

dowse ¹ British  

/ daʊs /

verb

1. a variant spelling of douse 1

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dowse ² British  

/ daʊz /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• dowser
  noun

Etymology

Origin of dowse

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

Example Sentences

The quartet is fronted by vocalist and lyricist Florence Shaw, who practiced and taught visual art before linking with guitarist Tom Dowse, bassist Lewis Maynard and drummer Nick Buxton in the late 2010s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

Festooned with tattoos, the guitarist Tom Dowse rocked out, grimacing and jutting out an impudent tongue now and then.

From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2022

Then her friend Dowse suggested she contribute to a new band he’d pulled together with Buxton and Maynard.

From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2022

US actress Viola Davis, who previously called Dowse a "terrific actress", tweeted: "RIP….very sad", alongside a heartbreak emoji.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2022

By this time Mrs. Dowse, the cook, came into the yard smiling, and bringing with her a saucer containing bread and milk and a quill, in order that the nestling should have some supper.

From The Goat and Her Kid by Myrtle, Harriet