cistern

noun

cis·​tern ˈsi-stərn How to pronounce cistern (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s equipped with a connector that fits all outdoor house spigots, in addition to the faucets on utility sinks, and outdoor cisterns or water storage containers. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 5 Apr. 2020 In many places in Texas, plain tap water is delicious, whether derived from surface, underground or cistern sources. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 The project, expected to take three to four months, will also include renovations and expansions to the Marshall Mesa trailhead and parking lot, as well as the installation of a 20,000-gallon cistern to improve fire resilience for nearby homes. Tom Howarth follow, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 Nygren reported that 320 cistern and waterline connections have been completed, and a groundbreaking recently took place for a $20 million waterline project serving 16,000 residents in To’hajiilee, about 40 miles west of Albuquerque. Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cistern 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cistern was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Cistern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cistern. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cistern

noun
cis·​tern ˈsis-tərn How to pronounce cistern (audio)
: an artificial reservoir or tank for storing water usually underground

Medical Definition

cistern

noun
cis·​tern ˈsis-tərn How to pronounce cistern (audio)
: a fluid-containing sac or cavity in an organism
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!