drinking fountain

American  

noun

1. a water fountain that ejects a jet of water for drinking without a cup.

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drinking fountain British  

noun

1. a device for providing a flow or jet of drinking water, usually in public places

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Usage

What is a drinking fountain? A drinking fountain is a device that ejects a fountainlike stream of water that can be drunk from without a cup. Drinking fountains are often for public use—they provide access to drinking water in places like government buildings, schools, and parks. There are many different designs for drinking fountains, but they all generally work by ejecting a jet of water that can be drunk from directly. Drinking fountains are also commonly called water fountains, which should not be confused with the kind of fountain that’s mainly for decoration, such as in city plazas, though of course such fountains also use water (but not for drinking). Example: Why would I buy a bottle of water from the vending machine when I could just fill up my water bottle for free from the drinking fountain?

Etymology

Origin of drinking fountain

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

I asked for water and the bartender pointed me toward a drinking fountain and some plastic cups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

“I think it’s just sad that a kid can’t go to a drinking fountain at their school and get a drink of water.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2023

Here in Washington we know the name Cogswell because of the elaborate drinking fountain he forced upon the city in 1884.

From Washington Post • Aug. 27, 2022

Please, Edmonds School District, do the right thing and install a drinking fountain outside at this otherwise awesome playground.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 26, 2022

At the nearby drinking fountain, I pressed one finger over the hole, making the water squirt high in the air.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• water fountain