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

He has set up 29 drinking fountains on his land so fewer migrants will die of dehydration.

From Los Angeles Times

Menacing signs threaten trespassers with death, but Mr Chilton has also installed drinking fountains so nobody dies making the hazardous journey.

From BBC

Pincetl described the concept as a “generous city” — one in which neighborhoods have welcoming infrastructure such as corner drinking fountains and benches, and where shade structures and tree canopies line residential streets and commercial corridors.

From Los Angeles Times

“On campus there were no ‘colored’ or ‘white’ signs on the drinking fountains or bathroom doors,” General Cooper wrote in a reminiscence published in Notre Dame magazine in 2014.

From New York Times

On the outskirts of Barcelona, Canaletas, a company that makes and exports drinking fountains, is implementing the new norms imposed by the regional government, including a 25% reduction in water consumption by industries.

From BBC

Related Words

• water fountain