bucket

noun

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buck·et | \ ˈbə-kət

Definition of bucket

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a typically cylindrical vessel for catching, holding, or carrying liquids or solids

2 : something resembling a bucket: such as

a : the scoop of an excavating machine

b : one of the receptacles on the rim of a waterwheel

c : one of the cups of an endless-belt conveyor

d : one of the vanes of a turbine rotor

3 : bucketful

4 : bucket seat

5 : basket sense 3b

bucket

verb

bucketed; bucketing; buckets

Definition of bucket (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to draw or lift in buckets

2 British

a : to ride (a horse) hard

b : to drive hurriedly or roughly

3 : to deal with in a bucket shop

intransitive verb

1 : hustle, hurry

2a : to move about haphazardly or irresponsibly

b : to move roughly or jerkily

3 chiefly British, informal : to rain very heavily : pour It doesn't just rain here. It pours; it lashes; it buckets.— Kathleen A. Quinn —usually used with down Rain bucketed down for the next two days …— Thurston Clarke

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing bucket Learn More About bucket

Examples of bucket in a Sentence

Noun We used two buckets of paint to paint the living room. made buckets of money in the stock market Verb bucketing water from the well, we raced to put out the fire getting the troops into the bucketing landing craft proved to be challenging

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun There’s world-class snorkeling and diving everywhere, some of the most productive saltwater fly-fishing in the world, and paddling options that range from easy two-hour spins to multiday bucket-list adventures. — Graham Averill, Outside Online, 7 May 2022 Google Jerash, Wadi Rum, Wadi Mujib, Aqaba, and of course Petra is a bucket-list experience. — Jason Hoffman, The Enquirer, 6 May 2022 The Stagecoach show was a substantially different one, and not just because of the bucket-list 10-minute cameo by Rose. — Chris Willman, Variety, 1 May 2022 Taking a bucket-list adventure trip doesn't have to be difficult or dangerous. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 23 Apr. 2022 With some travelers hitting pause on their bucket-list vacation plans, more people are opting to load up the car and explore their home states instead. — Gregory Thomas, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 Apr. 2022 While priced at a premium, these smaller ships offer distinct appeal in a post-pandemic world, like fewer crowds and access to more exotic, bucket-list locales that are otherwise inaccessible to larger cruise ships. — CNN, 21 Apr. 2022 Wodak and Elmore will be making their Boston debuts, a sort of bucket-list item for both of them. — New York Times, 17 Apr. 2022 Bold’s 23-knot speed comes to the fore in areas like the Riviera, where bucket-list destinations, like Portofino and Monaco are 200 to 300 miles apart. — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Kessler’s layup is the Tigers’ only bucket in their last 10 attempts. — Nubyjas Wilborn | Nwilborn@al.com, al, 8 Feb. 2022 Patton’s layup with 7:29 left put the Vikings in front for the first time in the second half, and Brock Finstuen’s steal and bucket a minute later gave CSU a 61-58 lead. — Joe Noga, cleveland, 23 Jan. 2022 For example, if classify gifts as 'needs' and new decorations as 'wants,' put most of your money in the gifts bucket and save a very small amount for new decor. — Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2021 From trendy sweatsuits to bucket hats to watches, the streetwear spectrum is deep—and everybody wants a piece. — Nandi Howard, Essence, 4 May 2021 Another way to bucket your goals is to categorize them into the sum of the parts or the parts of the sum. — Gregory Salsburg, Forbes, 28 Apr. 2021 East Boston 34, Boston English 23 — Junior guard Madison Theriault bucketed 18 points for the Jets (4-9). — Mike Puzzanghera, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Jan. 2020 To travelers, Arizona is known for some of the Southwest's most iconic vacation destinations—from sprawling golf and tennis facilities to innovative wellness retreats to bucket-list natural attractions. — Chadner Navarro, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2020 Senior Zakiirah King put up a team-leading nine points while senior Victoria Davis put up eight and junior Samara Curry bucketed seven. — Edith Noriega, azcentral, 4 Dec. 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bucket.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

17 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Bucket.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bucket. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for bucket

bucket

noun

buck·et | \ ˈbə-kət

Kids Definition of bucket

1 : a usually round container with a handle for holding or carrying liquids or solids

2 : a large container that is part of a machine and is used for collecting, scooping, or carrying

3 : bucketful a bucket of water "You're sweating buckets," Emma said. "Let me have a go at that before you melt away."— Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children