Meaning & Definition of word "Pail"

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!