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

Engel recommends using a soaker hose for even watering or, for trees, water bags as great ways to make sure the root ball area stays consistently moist. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026

First, avoid watering your garden with a sprinkler and instead use a hose or a watering can near the mulch to prevent it from getting wet often, says Klimorowski. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026

Verb

Sweep the deck of debris, hose it down, and scrub any trouble spots with warm, soapy water. — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026

Footage of the scene obtained by the outlet shows the firefighters attempting to hose down the house, as a bright orange flame ripped through the residence. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 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