C1noun2K

Pond

UK /["/pɒnd/"]/US /["/pɑːnd/"]/

Definition

a small area of still water, especially one that is artificial

In simple words: A small body of still water, smaller than a lake.

Examples

  • a fish pond
  • She swam across the pond.
  • The Carters had a pond in their back yard.
  • The pond is drained every year.
  • The ponds are fully stocked with rainbow trout.
  • There are goldfish in the pond.
  • There were some ducks swimming on the pond.
  • He's relatively unknown on this side of the pond.
  • Critics across the pond have been queuing up to heap praise on the movie.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversation and writing. Suitable for informal or formal contexts when discussing nature, gardening, or wildlife. Avoid in technical or scientific discussions focused on larger bodies of water.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'pond' as a 'peaceful pond' in a park where frogs hang out.

Collocations

  • big
  • large
  • little
  • build
  • construct
  • dig
  • life
  • water
  • across a/​the pond
  • in a/​the pond
  • into a/​the pond
  • the bottom, edge, middle, surface, etc. of a pond

Synonyms

  • water body
  • pool
  • lagoon
  • reservoir
  • bayou

Antonyms

  • ocean
  • sea
  • river
  • stream

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'lake' - a pond is smaller.
  • Mispronounce as 'pound'.
  • Use as a verb (there is no verb form).