cistern

noun

cis·​tern ˈsi-stərn 

1

: an artificial reservoir (such as an underground tank) for storing liquids and especially water (such as rainwater)

2

: a large usually silver vessel formerly used (as in cooling wine) at the dining table

3

: a fluid-containing sac or cavity in an organism

Examples of cistern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ruins of ancient temples, roads, a harbor and a cistern for collecting rainwater lie near Turkey’s western coast. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025

Fill gullies, add mulch where it’s washed away, ensure downspouts are seated in rain barrels, cisterns, or daylight to spread water over the soil. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025

Of particular note: the intact Corinthian portico columns; the subterranean arched architecture, aqueduct and cistern system; and graffiti adorning merchant stalls believed to be more than 1,500 years old. —Alex Crevar, New York Times, 11 July 2024

Theodoric’s Guide for the Holy Land reminded travelers there was no water in Jerusalem other than the rainwater collected by inhabitants and stored in cisterns for daily use. —Megan Cassidy-Welch, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin cisterna, from cista box, chest — more at chest

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cistern

noun

cis·​tern ˈsis-tərn 

: an artificial reservoir or tank for storing water usually underground

Medical Definition

cistern

noun

cis·​tern ˈsis-tərn 

: a fluid-containing sac or cavity in an organism