puddle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'puddle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'puddle' to refer to a small pool of water on the ground, usually made by rain or other sources. An example sentence would be "The little girl jumped in the puddle, getting her shoes wet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shame that the closest you can get at Reading is downing a stale Tuborg near a puddle of piss created by someone called Wanker Dave.

The Guardian - Music

But he claimed the unpopularity of the regime and the Russian oligarchs, including Abramovich, counted against the billionaire's football team: "All Russians were rooting against Chelsea which manifest itself in a small puddle which [John] Terry slipped in [when taking a penalty].

The Guardian - Books

The problem is that the plot is so simplistic and the pool of potential arch-villains would barely qualify as a puddle.

The Economist

At the Amistad Fishing Lodge the waitress tells us that her boyfriend loves to fish in the puddle, and her kids go swimming there.

The Economist

Zapiro shows a woman with a baby strapped to her back, washing clothes in a puddle outside her shack.

The Economist

But it is plainly a puddle of talent, rather than a pool.

The Economist

But the plot hatched by Lord Oakeshott, a Liberal Democrat peer, to topple Nick Clegg this week was about as bad and ultimately self-defeating as could be imagined.Lord Oakeshott, a big fish in the Lib Dem puddle, was well known to despise his party leader.

The Economist

A lava lake is a huge puddle of lava that accumulates in a crater when a volcano erupts.

The Economist

Not quite as pretty as a butterfly, perhaps, but a lot more useful than an oil slick on a puddle.

The Economist

The sandwich appears bluish-purple not bluish-purple notany dye in it, because thereame reason that ois on anyudyee produces pretty colours.

The Economist

But Ms Bennett's outfit is parochial and recidivist, a big fish in a muddy left-wing puddle, and that is not much use to anyone, despite some of its members' touching goodwill .Exchange is not robbery!" said Mr Hall amiably, swapping a Bristol pound for the real thing with Bagehot.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "puddle", consider the specific type of liquid and context. For example, a "puddle" can be water, mud, or even a metaphorical accumulation of something, like "a puddle of talent".

Common error

While "puddle" is a common word, avoid using it excessively in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "pool", "accumulation", or "standing water" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "puddle" is that of a noun, referring to a small accumulation of liquid. It can also function as a verb, meaning to form a "puddle" or to work with clay. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is valid and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Independent

25%

The Economist

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

OtherRelated

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "puddle" is a common and correct term, typically used as a noun to describe a small collection of liquid. It finds frequent use in news and media, as well as in encyclopedic and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is generally valid and suitable for various contexts. While it can also function as a verb, its primary role is descriptive. When writing, consider the specific context and audience to ensure the term's appropriateness, particularly in more formal or scientific settings. You can use alternatives as "small pool of water" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small pool of water

Replaces "puddle" with a more descriptive and literal term.

shallow pool

Emphasizes the depth aspect of a "puddle".

little pool

A simple and direct alternative to "puddle".

small accumulation of liquid

A more formal and scientific way to describe a "puddle".

miniature pool

A slight variation in emphasis on the pool's smallness

collection of rainwater

Specifically refers to a "puddle" formed by rainwater.

small body of standing water

A more technical description of a "puddle".

patch of water

A more general term for a small wet area.

watery patch

Focuses on the wet aspect of the area instead of its size or depth.

small mire

Implies a muddy or swampy "puddle".

FAQs

How can I use "puddle" in a sentence?

You can use "puddle" to describe a small collection of liquid on a surface, as in "The child splashed in the puddle" or "There was a puddle of oil under the car".

What can I say instead of "puddle"?

You can use alternatives like "small pool of water", "shallow pool", or "small accumulation of liquid" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "puddle" metaphorically?

Yes, "puddle" can be used metaphorically to describe a small or insignificant amount of something, such as "a puddle of talent" or "a puddle of ambition".

What's the difference between "puddle" and "pond"?

"Puddle" refers to a small, shallow collection of liquid, often temporary. "Pond", on the other hand, is a larger, more permanent body of standing water.