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

Russia has lost 213 vehicles, including tanks, armored fighting vehicles, cars, and cisterns in Ukraine on February 11, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Everything has been sensitively restored, including fragments of Iznik tiles, wall paintings, and hidden Byzantine cisterns. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

There’s a water cistern on our property that was built for cattle drives. —Adam Carlson, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025

In her article on the cistern, Smithsonian correspondent Sonja Anderson detailed this rich history, outlining the Castle’s origins and evolution from a museum building and residence into an administrative office and visitor center. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024

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