water hole

American  

noun

1. a depression in the surface of the ground, containing water.

2. a source of drinking water, as a spring or well in the desert.

3. a pond; pool.

4. a cavity containing water in the dry bed of a river.

5. a hole in the frozen surface of a lake, pond, stream, etc.

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water hole British  

noun

1. a depression, such as a pond or pool, containing water, esp one used by animals as a drinking place

2. a source of drinking water in a desert

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Etymology

Origin of water hole

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

The same was true of the time that animals spent at water holes: they usually stayed longer when lion sounds were played to them than when human voices were heard.

From Scientific American

Scientists played recordings of people talking normally through speakers hidden at water holes in the Kruger National Park.

From BBC

Panting after chasing the impala now in its jaws, a leopard drags its prey to a shady spot beside a water hole.

From New York Times

“If you do use artificial watering holes, it has to be a commitment to essentially manage the water hole forever,” he said.

From Seattle Times

A water hole they’ve dug in desperation hasn’t conserved a drop.

From Washington Post