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 of hose

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

Plants that are adaptable to a variety of growing conditions are easier to site in the garden without the need to amend soil, and drought-tolerant selections mean fewer days dragging hoses through the yard. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026

It's also equipped with a self-illuminating hose reel that can provide a light source in dark conditions and also help guide firefighters to safety or to an injured person. —New Atlas, 8 Mar. 2026

Verb

Stop the ants using Terro or Advion bait stations, then hose off or scrape away the aphids, mealy bugs and scale. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Firefighters had to hose blood off the streets. —Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026

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