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

The complete lineup also included a green pail with a monster design, an orange one with a skeleton design and a white one with a mummy design.

From Salon

Could he tunnel under that river with his paws, his penknife, and a homemade wooden shovel perhaps; no pickax, no crowbar, no wheelbarrow or wagon, not even a pail to carry out the earth and rocks?

From Literature

Neddie had filled a yellow pail close to full.

From Literature

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

From New York Times

For instance, in 1887, John Robinson, a Black inventor from West Virginia, filed a patent for a pail.

From Salon

Related Words

• canister
• container
• jug
• pot