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

Entering an office for then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Beddingfield washed his eyes in a drinking fountain before he left the building.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 11, 2023

I grimace and bend at a drinking fountain.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2022

I see one that overlooks the drinking fountain.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• water fountain