fountain

1 of 2

noun

foun·​tain ˈfau̇n-tᵊn How to pronounce fountain (audio)
1
: the source from which something proceeds or is supplied
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

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

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
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.
Noun
Nicky Hilton Rothschild chatted with Edie Parker founder Brett Heyman on one of the benches facing the room’s central fountain before sitting for the first dinner course. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2025 The latest season of Only Murders in the Building sees Mabel, Oliver and Charles investigating the death of the Arconia's longtime doorman, Lester, whose body was found in the courtyard fountain at the end of season 4. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
If this strikes a chord with you, employ the help of a skilled designer to lay the pool or fountain out for you. Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2025 History, Art, & Culture 10 - There is history behind nearly every building, bench, and fountain on our region’s campuses. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fountain

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fountain was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fountain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fountain. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fountain

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