hose

1 of 2

noun

ˈhōz 

plural hose or hoses

1

plural hose

a(1)

: a cloth leg covering that sometimes covers the foot

(2)

: stocking, sock

b(1)

: a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist that is usually attached to a doublet by points

(2)

: short breeches reaching to the knee

2

: a flexible tube for conveying fluids (as from a faucet or hydrant)

hose

2 of 2

verb

hosed; hosing

transitive verb

1

a

: to spray, water, or wash with a hose

—often used with down

hose down a stable floor

b

slang : to fire automatic weapons at

—usually used with down

2

slang : to deprive of something due or expected : trick, cheat

Synonyms

Noun

• sock
• stocking

Verb

• squeeze
• sting
• pluck
• screw
• cheat
• stick
• hustle
• beat
• fleece
• bleed

Examples of hose in a Sentence

Noun

There are several hoses stored in the shed.

We need another 50 feet of hose.

Verb

when the guy failed to return with our money, we realized that we had been hosed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

When covered by a layer of mulch, soaker hoses lose very little water to evaporation. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 5 July 2025

Monthly, check the inlet cover, drain outlet, and hose for clogs, and clean or replace the filter as needed. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2025

Verb

Though each rug comes with their own cleaning instructions, typically it can just be vacuumed, spot-cleaned, or even hosed down to keep it in good shape. —Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025

Videos posted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife show firefighters hosing the overheated moose down before the team used a soft stretcher to hoist it into a trailer. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 26 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hosa stocking, husk; akin to Old High German hosa leg covering

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hose

• fire hose
• garden hose
• panty hose
• support hose
• trunk hose

Rhymes for hose

• blows
• brose
• chose
• cloze
• cose
• crows
• doughs
• doze
• floes
• flows
• foes
• froze

Kids Definition

hose

1 of 2 noun

ˈhōz 

1

plural hose

a

: stocking, sock

b

: a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist worn by men in about 1600

c

: short pants reaching to the knee

2

plural hose or hoses : a flexible tube for carrying fluid

hose

2 of 2 verb

hosed; hosing

: to spray, water, or wash with a hose