Basin

/ˈbeɪsən/

nounBeginner📊CommonObject
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A wide, shallow container, typically used for washing.

/ˈbeɪsən/

nounneutralBeginner
Object

A bowl-shaped container.

The bathroom basin was cracked.

💡 Simply: A bowl for washing things.

More Examples

2

She filled the basin with soapy water.

How It's Used

Household

"She washed her face in the basin."

Plumbing

"The plumber checked the basin drain."

2

A low-lying area, often surrounded by higher land, typically containing a river and its tributaries.

/ˈbeɪsən/

nounneutralIntermediate
Geography

A natural depression or hollow, especially one containing water.

The river basin provided fertile land for farming.

💡 Simply: A low area with water.

More Examples

2

The Great Basin is a large desert region.

How It's Used

Geography

"The Amazon River basin is vast."

Tip:Imagine a 'base' for a large area of water.

From Old French 'bacin', ultimately from Latin 'baccinum', a diminutive of 'bacca' meaning 'dish' or 'bowl'.

The word 'basin' has been used to describe both man-made and natural depressions for centuries, reflecting its enduring practicality.

Memory tip

Think of a 'base' and a 'sin' - a bowl at the base, but don't sin by leaving it dirty!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"'dish' or 'bowl'"

wash basinriver basinbasin of water

Common misspellings

basenbasson

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written