pail

[ peyl ]

noun

1. bucket.
2. the amount filling a pail.

pail

/ peɪl /

noun

1. a bucket, esp one made of wood or metal
2. Also calledpailful the quantity that fills a pail

Word History and Origins

Origin of pail¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English payle “wooden container,” continuing Old English pægel “wine container, liquid measure” (of unknown origin; compare Middle Dutch, Low German pegel “half pint”), by association with Old French paielle “pan,” from Latin patella; patella

Word History and Origins

Origin of pail¹

Old English pægel; compare Catalan paella frying pan, paella

Example Sentences

Customers can customize their festive pails with themed stickers for “a truly monstrous makeover.”

From Salon

This aggressively oatmeal aesthetic has dominated infant care since around Gen Alpha’s midpoint in 2017, desaturating high chairs, play gyms and diaper pails from electric green to subtle sage.

From Los Angeles Times

The simplicity of a brain plopped in a pail for scientific research becomes something of a mordant sight gag.

From New York Times

Schools hold mock water rationing exercises where water taps are shut off and students collect water in pails.

From Seattle Times

Video taken by a bystander shows about 20 adults trying to dig her out using their hands and plastic pails, but the hole kept collapsing on itself.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• canister
• container
• jug
• pot