water tower

noun

1. a vertical pipe or tower into which water is pumped to a height sufficient to maintain a desired pressure for firefighting, distribution to customers, etc.
2. a fire-extinguishing apparatus for throwing a stream of water on the upper parts of a tall burning building.

water tower

noun

1. a reservoir or storage tank mounted on a tower-like structure at the summit of an area of high ground in a place where the water pressure would otherwise be inadequate for distribution at a uniform pressure

Word History and Origins

Origin of water tower¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Now it will need new signs for sure — the entry on the other side of town near I-55 — and maybe even something to do with a water tower.

From Washington Post

We traipsed past its awnings and two dogs in the shade of a water tower.

From The Daily Beast

That says more about the resilience of this remarkable city than any water tower.

From The Daily Beast

I asked where I could find a boarding place, and was directed to the St. Louis house, near where the water tower now stands.

From Project Gutenberg

It is situated almost exactly midway between the Water Tower and Mortimers.

From Project Gutenberg

Close by is a lofty red brick water-tower, which has been utilised by Sir Stapleton Forsyth as a signal station.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a big farm bell hung to a creaking arm in the water-tower beside the old colonial dwelling.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes, as we approach a town, we see a water tower on a hill, or a tall iron stand-pipe.

From Project Gutenberg