faucet

American  

[faw-sit] / ˈfɔ sɪt /

noun

1. any device for controlling the flow of liquid from a pipe or the like by opening or closing an orifice; tap; cock.

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faucet British  

/ ˈfɔːsɪt /

noun

1. a tap fitted to a barrel

2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): tap.  a valve by which a fluid flow from a pipe can be controlled by opening and closing an orifice

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Regionalisms

Spigot is a common variant for faucet and is widely used in the Midland U.S. Elsewhere, faucet is more commonly used, especially in the Northern U.S.

Etymology

Origin of faucet

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French fausset peg for a vent, perhaps equivalent to fauss ( er ) to force in, damage, warp, literally, to falsify (< Late Latin falsāre; false ) + -et -et

Example Sentences

It talked her through fixing a faucet in her apartment, generated advice for a loved one navigating a challenging roommate situation, and came up with vendor prioritization for her jewelry side business.

From The Wall Street Journal

The disaster has destabilized local utilities that for generations quietly kept faucets flowing in Altadena.

From Los Angeles Times

“The faucets are being shut off,” said Piñon.

From Los Angeles Times

“Off, please,” Ray yells, and I turn the faucet off.

From Literature

You know to turn the faucet in the bathroom off while rinsing out your swimsuit but something distracts you.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• nozzle
• valve