pond

American  

[pond] / pɒnd /

noun

ponds plural

1. a body of water smaller than a lake, sometimes artificially formed, as by damming a stream.

2. Informal. the pond, the Atlantic Ocean.

   American companies are finding business is different on the other side of the pond.

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verb (used without object)

1. (especially of water) to collect into a pond or large puddle.

   to prevent rainwater from ponding on the roof.

pond British  

/ pɒnd /

noun

1. 1. a pool of still water, often artificially created

   2. ( in combination )

      a fishpond

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pond Scientific  

/ pŏnd /

1. An inland body of standing water that is smaller than a lake. Natural ponds form in small depressions and are usually shallow enough to support rooted vegetation across most or all of their areas.

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pond Idioms  

1. see big fish in a small pond; little frog in a big pond.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ponds
  plural

Etymology

Origin of pond

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English ponde, pande, akin to Old English pynding “dam,” gepyndan “to impound.” See pound ³

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pond ponds

“A masterpiece property fit for royalty. … A home crafted with love and intention,” it goes on, after calling attention to the resort-style pool and koi pond.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

Situated on nearly 4 acres, the 1740 home features five bedrooms, a pond and plenty of space for entertaining.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

"They make it to the finals, you're gonna make the trip across the pond?"

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

They can be compared to ripples spreading across a pond after a stone is dropped into the water.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026

Ice cut from a pond in winter and stored beneath an open structure called the Temple chilled food and drinks in Virginia’s summer heat.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Juvenile coho salmon began to use the ponds within weeks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

This type of lithium removal is different from traditional hardrock mining or evaporation ponds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

"We understand people want to make the most of the warm weather, but we would urge everyone to stay safe and avoid entering reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds," he said.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

The lakes, streams and ponds you’ve visited for years are likely looking more brown than they used to.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 21, 2026

Swallows were still thought to hibernate at the bottom of ponds.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• basin
• lagoon
• pool
• puddle