fountain

American  

[foun-tn] / ˈfaʊn tn /

noun

1. a spring or source of water; the source or head of a stream.

2. the source or origin of anything.

   Synonyms:

   wellspring, genesis, cradle, birthplace

3. a jet or stream of water (or other liquid) made by mechanical means to spout or rise from an opening or structure, as to afford water for use, to cool the air, or to serve for ornament.

4. a structure for discharging such a jet or a number of jets, often an elaborate or artistic work with basins, sculptures, etc.

5. drinking fountain.

6. soda fountain.

7. a reservoir for a liquid to be supplied gradually or continuously, as in a fountain pen.

8. Heraldry. a roundel barry-wavy, argent and azure.

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fountain British  

/ ˈfaʊntɪn /

noun

1. a jet or spray of water or some other liquid

2. a structure from which such a jet or a number of such jets spurt, often incorporating figures, basins, etc

3. a natural spring of water, esp the source of a stream

4. a stream, jet, or cascade of sparks, lava, etc

5. a principal source or origin

6. a reservoir or supply chamber, as for oil in a lamp

7. short for drinking fountain soda fountain

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Other Word Forms

• fountain-like adjective
• fountained adjective
• fountainless adjective
• fountainlike adjective
• unfountained adjective

Etymology

Origin of fountain

1375–1425; late Middle English fontayne < Old French fontaine < Late Latin fontāna, noun use of feminine of Latin fontānus of a spring, equivalent to font- (stem of fons ) spring + -ānus -an

Example Sentences

If you’re lucky, your table will overlook the famous fountain show — a spectacle that somehow makes an already indulgent steak dinner feel even more special.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Near Brown’s fountain, Echo Park artist Hoehn will present “Deadfall,” a massive fallen fig tree embedded with carved cheerleader legs and skirts — imagery drawn from her Texas upbringing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The production company A24 made special movie chocolate that comes in flavors like fizzy fountain soda and will pair nicely with tickets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Swipe fees “impact the fountain from which all loyalty dollars flow,” according to a Bernstein note Wednesday.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 15, 2026

The Headmarvellers stood on a platform above a great fountain.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• geyser
• reservoir
• stream