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

Once through the entrance, visitors make their way down a narrow flight of stone steps before abruptly entering the vast site of the cistern. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

In a pit below the stage was a cistern containing dead rodents. — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

In Lacanau, residents pumped water from a lake into tanks headed for hot spots and firefighters’ cisterns. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

In Lacanau, residents pumped water from a lake into tanks headed for hot spots and firefighters' cisterns. — CBS News, 29 July 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