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

In Prague, explore the city’s medieval history by touring its underground prisons, ancient cisterns and vaulted alleyways from the 13th century, which were built before flooding forced the city to be raised about 5 to 25 feet. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2026

One of the newest attractions are the Water Tanks under Žluty Kopec, a complex of three cisterns built between 1874 and 1917. — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 16 June 2026

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa offers rooms in some of those many caves and a spa set in the ancient underground cisterns. — Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026

Consider adding rain barrels or cisterns to capture and store water for dry times. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026

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