hose

1 of 2

noun

plural hose or hoses
1
plural hose
a(1)
: a cloth leg covering that sometimes covers the foot
(2)
b(1)
: a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist that is usually attached to a doublet by points
(2)
: short breeches reaching to the knee
2
: a flexible tube for conveying fluids (as from a faucet or hydrant)

hose

2 of 2

verb

hosed; hosing

transitive verb

1
a
: to spray, water, or wash with a hose
often used with down
hose down a stable floor
b
slang : to fire automatic weapons at
usually used with down
2
slang : to deprive of something due or expected : trick, cheat

Examples of hose in a Sentence

Noun There are several hoses stored in the shed. We need another 50 feet of hose. Verb when the guy failed to return with our money, we realized that we had been hosed
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.
Noun
Downsides By emphasizing making the hose compact, manufacturers sometimes cut corners on hose durability and strength. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025 The combination, makers say, is flexible and sturdy enough to resist leaks, tears, and cracks as the hose is put through its paces. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
Once the space craft has been hosed down and safely situated and secured, the Dragon capsule will be moved to the recovery platform, before the hatch will finally open and the astronauts can disembark. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 Heavy smoke could be seen pouring out of the roof as firefighters hosed down the scene from tower ladders. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hose

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hosa stocking, husk; akin to Old High German hosa leg covering

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hose was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hose. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

hose

1 of 2 noun
1
plural hose
a
b
: a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist worn by men in about 1600
c
: short pants reaching to the knee
2
plural hose or hoses : a flexible tube for carrying fluid

hose

2 of 2 verb
hosed; hosing
: to spray, water, or wash with a hose

More from Merriam-Webster on hose

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!