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Definition of dowsing

dowsing

/ˈdaʊ.zɪŋ/
dows · ing
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dowsing Lexical Profile

dowsing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A type of divination employed in attempts to locate ground water, buried metals or ores, gemstones, oil, or other hidden objects without the use of scientific apparatus, typically using a forked stick or metal rods.

Example

"Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting dowsing, some rural landowners still hire practitioners to locate underground springs."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dowsing

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'dowsing' (searching for underground water or minerals with a divining rod) with its homophone 'dousing' (pouring liquid over something to soak or extinguish it).

• Rhymes for dowsing

• Nearby Words

downy woodpecker
dowry
dowse
dowsing
dox
doxie
doyenne

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dowsing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dowsing
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