puddle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small, shallow pool of water or another liquid, especially one formed by rain

   The child jumped into a muddy puddle beside the path.

2. 2
   verb

   to form or collect in small shallow pools

   Water began to puddle on the floor beneath the leaking pipe.

3. 3
   verb

   to splash or play in shallow water or mud

   The ducks puddled at the edge of the flooded field.

From Middle English podel. Its earlier origin is uncertain, but it may be a diminutive or imitative formation related to regional Germanic words for muddy pools and splashing. The verb developed from the noun.

Topics