watering can

American  

noun

1. a container for water, typically of metal or plastic and having a spout with a perforated nozzle, for watering or sprinkling plants, flowers, etc.

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watering can British  

noun

1. a container with a handle and a spout with a perforated nozzle used to sprinkle water over plants

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Etymology

Origin of watering can

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

He has mobility issues that restrict him from using a watering can - which is allowed during the ban - rather than a hosepipe to water his garden.

From BBC

Food crops in allotments or home gardens, if they cannot reasonably be watered with a watering can.

From BBC

Advice offered by Scottish Water includes using a watering can instead of a garden hose, avoiding using sprinklers, taking shorter showers and turning the tap off when brushing teeth.

From BBC

On another page an elderly farmer in the Fujian Province of China struggles under a shoulder yoke of watering cans.

From New York Times

Well, there’s a different issue for houseplant parents who must wander their indoor jungles with watering cans, misters, fertilizers and pruners and then find a place to store them.

From Los Angeles Times