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

"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

Two dead ducks were found in a pond about 250 feet away from the pool.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

Outside, the grounds are professionally landscaped and feature a koi pond, stone walls, patios, and plantings.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 26, 2026

It was fine and silky and tasted like the cow pond.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

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

On the island’s extensive bike-path network, you’ll pass through wetlands, ponds and open meadows.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026

"It wouldn't be a proper English summer without it," she beams, hatching a plan to take her friends swimming in Hampstead's outdoor ponds.

From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026

You could be standing in the middle of one and not know it, because the ponds are usually dry.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

• basin
• lagoon
• pool
• puddle