fountain

1 of 2

noun

foun·​tain ˈfau̇n-tᵊn 

1

: the source from which something proceeds or is supplied

an endless fountain of inspiration

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

: soda fountain sense 2

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

Synonyms of fountain

Noun

• source
• cradle
• spring
• origin

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

Noun

According to the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs at the University of Washington, blue spaces are natural or man-made outdoor settings that feature water in the form of rivers, lakes, oceans, ponds, canals or urban fountains. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Clean and flush the water in ornamental fountains, pet bowls and bird baths on a regular basis; and repair or discard containers that stay outside and might normally collect water. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Hundreds of volcanoes cover its surface, with some erupting lava fountains dozens of miles high. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

That’s $5 fan favorites like hot dogs, french fries, soft pretzels, nachos with cheese, popcorn, chips, candy and fountain Pepsi products, as well as some domestic draft beers at $10. — Lori Punko, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing fountain

• drinking fountain
• fountain grass
• fountain of youth
• fountain pen
• soda fountain
• water fountain

Rhymes for fountain

• mountain
• intermountain

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