Search Dictionary
Definition of pail

pail

/peɪl/
pail
Plural:pails
JUMP TO:

pail Lexical Profile

pail Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A cylindrical container with a handle, used for holding and carrying liquids or solids.

Example

"The children spent the afternoon at the beach, building sandcastles with a brightly colored plastic pail and shovel."

2

The amount of liquid or solid that a pail can hold.

Example

"She managed to gather a full pail of ripe blackberries from the bushes near the forest edge."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pail

Word Nuance & Usage

Care must be taken not to confuse 'pail' with its homophone 'pale', which refers to a light color, a lack of vitality, or a wooden fence post.

• Rhymes for pail

• Nearby Words

page
pagsanjan
pahang
pail
paint
paintballer
paintbrush

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'payle', which likely derived from Old English 'pægel' (a small wine vessel) or was influenced by Old French 'paele' (a pan or liquid measure), ultimately tracing back to Latin 'patella'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pail. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pail
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.