faucet

USAGE SUMMARY

'faucet' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a device that controls the flow of water in a sink, bathtub, or other plumbing fixture. For example, "The plumbing in the kitchen needs to be repaired; the faucet is leaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The day that we ran out of water I turned on my faucet and nothing was there and at that moment I knew the whole of Barnhart was down the tubes," she said, blinking back tears.

The Guardian

You call it a tap, or a faucet, and it's one of those shiny things that augments the kitchen sink.

The Guardian - Opinion

A voltage applied to a contact controls the current flowing through the rest of the device, much as a tap (faucet) controls the flow of water through a pipe.

The Economist

It includes a magic beer tap that seems to float in mid-air, supported by nothing but the endless flow from its golden faucet.

The Economist

One practical solution, known as "forest to faucet", is being undertaken in Colorado by Denver Water, a utility serving 1.3m Denver residents.

The Economist

In the globe valve shown in the Figure (far left), the movable element M may be a tapered plug or a disk that fits a seat on the valve body; the disk may carry a replaceable rubber or leather washer, as in a household water faucet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just turning the faucet of the federal funds rate was insufficient to the challenges the Fed faced".

The New Yorker

Reporting on the Whitney and Thayer Woods (Cohasset and Hingham), the trustees state, "A pipeline and faucet were installed at the picnic grove to replace the pump and well which had shown positive pollution on the last test.

The New Yorker

The Mulcahy's outdoor faucet will be our stream; the stars our roof where the roof is missing.

The New Yorker

Partch wrote, "In the early days of presenting my music, the mere mention of the words Bach or Beethoven, twin gods of classical musicians, turned on a faucet of revolt in me".

The New Yorker

I pour liquid soap over her finger and run faucet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "faucet", be specific about its type (e.g., mixer, sensor) to provide clarity. For example, 'The modern kitchen features a touchless faucet for increased hygiene.'

Common error

Avoid using "faucet" and "tap" interchangeably in all contexts. While they both refer to devices controlling water flow, "faucet" is more common in American English, whereas "tap" is more prevalent in British English. Use the appropriate term based on your audience.

Linguistic Context

The word "faucet" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a device that controls the flow of liquid, typically water, from a pipe or container. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts, from household plumbing to metaphorical applications, aligning with its dictionary definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "faucet" is a common noun referring to a fixture that controls the flow of water. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is correct and very frequent, primarily appearing in news and media sources. When describing the object, remember to be specific to avoid ambiguity. While interchangeable with "tap" in many contexts, "faucet" is more commonly used in American English. Common errors involve using regional variations inappropriately, so consider your target audience. In summary, "faucet" is a versatile term with clearly defined usage, making it a straightforward and reliable choice in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tap

A more concise and commonly used synonym for "faucet", often preferred in British English.

spigot

Refers specifically to an outdoor water source or a valve controlling flow from a container.

water valve

A broader term that encompasses various types of valves used to control water flow, not just those at a sink.

water tap

Combines "water" with "tap", specifying the function, though somewhat redundant.

fixture

Describes the "faucet" as part of a larger set of plumbing installations.

outlet

Focuses on where the water exits, rather than the control mechanism.

dispenser

Highlights the action of releasing water, often used for specialized faucets.

valve

A generic term for any device that controls the flow of a fluid.

water source

Identifies the "faucet" as a location where water can be obtained.

plumbing fitting

A technical term that describes the "faucet" in relation to its connection to the plumbing system.

FAQs

What is the difference between a "faucet" and a tap?

The terms "faucet" and tap are often used interchangeably, but "faucet" is more common in American English, while tap is predominantly used in British English. Both refer to a fixture that controls the release of water.

What are common types of faucets?

Common types of faucets include mixer faucets (which blend hot and cold water), ball faucets, disc faucets, cartridge faucets, and sensor faucets. Each type has a different mechanism for controlling water flow and temperature.

How do you fix a leaky "faucet"?

Fixing a leaky "faucet" typically involves identifying the cause of the leak (such as a worn-out washer or O-ring), turning off the water supply, disassembling the "faucet", replacing the damaged parts, and reassembling the "faucet". If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional plumber.

What can I say instead of "faucet"?

Depending on the context, you can use "tap", "spigot", or "water valve" as alternatives to "faucet".