Meaning & Definition of word "Pail"
to
Pail
/peɪl/
noun:
- 1. A bucket, typically one with a handle, used for carrying liquids or other substances.
- Example: She filled the pail with water from the well.
- 2. A container for holding a specified quantity of liquid or other substance.
- Example: The ice cream shop offered a pail of their famous vanilla flavor.
- 3. A unit of measure, often used in reference to liquid capacity.
- Example: The farmer filled a pail of milk each morning before dawn.
Etymology
Middle English 'pail' from Old French 'paille', meaning 'straw' or 'a small bucket'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pail of water:
A container filled with water, often used for various purposes like cleaning or watering plants.
paint pail:
A bucket specifically designed to hold paint for painting projects.
Related Words
bucket:
A container similar to a pail, usually with a handle.
tub:
A large and deep container, often used for holding liquids.
Slang Meanings of pail
Meaning: An informal term for a large and unwieldy container or a mess.
Example Sentence: This whole situation is a right pail!