basin

noun

ba·​sin ˈbā-sᵊn How to pronounce basin (audio)
1
a
: an open usually circular vessel with sloping or curving sides used typically for holding water for washing
a new washstand and basin
b
chiefly British : a bowl used especially in cooking
c
: the quantity contained in a basin
spilled a basin of water on the floor
2
a
: a dock built in a harbor or a river that is noticeably affected by the tide
b
: an enclosed or partly enclosed water area
3
geography
a
: a large or small depression in the surface of the land or in the ocean floor
the relatively shallow basin of the Baltic Sea
b
: the entire tract of country drained by a river and its tributaries
flooding in the Amazon river basin
c
: a great depression in the surface of the lithosphere occupied by an ocean
4
geology : a broad area of the earth beneath which the strata (see stratum sense 2a) dip usually from the sides toward the center
basinal adjective
basined adjective
basinful noun

Examples of basin in a Sentence

a basin of cold water the drainage basin of a river the Great Basin of the western U.S.
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.
The negotiations have divided the states of the river’s upper and lower basins, as designated under the century-old Colorado River Compact. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024 This same behavior was documented in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when newspapers reported on manatees hanging out in warm areas like canals and yacht basins, as well as near sewage plants. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024 Lakes are among the most fascinating geographical features, defined as sizable bodies of standing or slowly moving water contained within inland basins. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 The attention paid to adapting to this new normal has not picked up enough momentum, and while no single place in the U.S. is immune to the extreme weather fueled by climate change, the Mississippi River basin needs significant attention. John Sabo, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for basin 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French bacin, going back to Vulgar Latin *baccīnum (whence Hellenized Late Latin bacchinon "disk with two wooden dishes"), derivative from a base *bak- or *bakk- (whence Latin bacar, bacriō "kind of vessel," early Medieval Latin bacarium, baccarium, becario "pitcher, vessel"), of obscure origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near basin

Cite this Entry

“Basin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basin. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

basin

noun
ba·​sin ˈbās-ᵊn How to pronounce basin (audio)
1
a
: a wide usually round container with sloping or curving sides for holding liquids
b
: the amount that a basin holds
2
: a hollow area or enclosure containing water
especially : a partly enclosed water area for anchoring ships
3
a
: the land drained by a river and its branches
b
: a large or small hollow area in the surface of the land or in the ocean floor
c
: a great hollow area in the surface of the lithosphere filled by an ocean
4
: a broad area of the earth beneath which layers of sedimentary rock dip usually from the sides toward the center

Medical Definition

basin

noun
ba·​sin ˈbās-ᵊn How to pronounce basin (audio)
1
: an open usually circular vessel with sloping or curving sides used typically for holding water for washing
2
: the quantity contained in a basin

More from Merriam-Webster on basin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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