fountain

1 of 2

noun

foun·​tain ˈfau̇n-tᵊn 

1

: the source from which something proceeds or is supplied

an endless fountain of inspiration

2

: a spring of water issuing from the earth

3

: an artificially produced jet of water

also : the structure from which it rises

4

: a reservoir containing a liquid that can be drawn off as needed

5

: soda fountain sense 2

fountain

2 of 2

verb

fountained; fountaining; fountains

intransitive verb

: to flow or spout like a fountain

transitive verb

: to cause to flow like a fountain

Synonyms of fountain

Noun

• source
• cradle
• spring
• origin

Examples of fountain in a Sentence

Noun

The crowd gathered around the fountain in the plaza.

an endless fountain of inspiration

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There’s fountains, small areas to climb, and concealed nooks and crannies. —Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 2026

The team also submitted a design for a dramatic and ambitious bridge to be suspended by cables from six soaring arches, described by the contractor as a fountain, and anchored to the ground by a massive center pier. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Verb

That’s $5 fan favorites like hot dogs, french fries, soft pretzels, nachos with cheese, popcorn, chips, candy and fountain Pepsi products, as well as some domestic draft beers at $10. —Lori Punko, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2025

At one point, the food court sodas at Costco came in cans from vending machines, but Costco switched to fountain soda to save money. —Personal Finance Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French funtaine, fontaine, from Late Latin fontana, from Latin, feminine of fontanus of a spring, from font-, fons

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1903, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing fountain

• drinking fountain
• fountain grass
• fountain of youth
• fountain pen
• soda fountain
• water fountain

Rhymes for fountain

• mountain
• intermountain

Kids Definition

fountain

noun

foun·​tain

ˈfau̇nt-ᵊn

1

: a spring of water coming from the earth

2

: the source from which something comes

a fountain of knowledge

3

: an artificial stream or spray of water (as for drinking or ornament)

also : the device from which such a stream or spray rises

Etymology

Noun

Middle English fountain "fountain," from early French funtaine (same meaning), derived from Latin font-, fons "fountain, spring" — related to font entry 1