French word

bassin

Pronunciation

IPA/basɛ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpond

Example

Les enfants jouent près du bassin du parc.

The children are playing near the pond in the park.

Illustration for bassin (pond)

More examples

On nettoie souvent le bassin du parc au printemps.

People often clean the park pond in the spring.

Core concept

A broad, shallow water-filled hollow, like a large dish in a garden.

Common phrases

  • près du bassin

    close to the pond

  • le bassin du parc

    the pond in the park

  • nettoyer le bassin

    clean the pond

Similar words

piscine: A facility filled with water for people to swim in.
lac: A broad, deep body of water formed naturally.
étang: A medium-sized body of water formed naturally or artificially.
fontaine: A decorative water feature that sprays water in a street or garden.

Definition in French

Étendue d'eau peu profonde, souvent artificielle, située dans un parc ou un jardin et destinée à la décoration ou aux jeux.

Word origin

Old French bacin developed from Latin baccinum, meaning a basin or container, and gave modern French bassin.

Usage tips

  • In this sense, bassin commonly contrasts with piscine, which normally refers to a pool intended for swimming.

Other meanings

  • basinnoun
  • washbasinnoun
  • pelvisnoun

Word lists with this word