wells
English meaning: Wells
Definition
A hole sunk into the ground as a source of water, oil, natural gas or other fluids.
Example
“The company drilled several new oil wells off the coast.”
Another example: “The villagers depend on a few shallow wells for their drinking water.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'well'. Most commonly refers to holes drilled to extract water, oil, or gas ('oil wells', 'drill wells'). Also: deep enclosed spaces (a stairwell, a wishing well). Capitalised, Wells is a surname (e.g. H. G. Wells) and a place name. Neutral register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'wella' (a spring of water), related to 'weallan' (to boil, bubble up).
Synonyms
- boreholes
- shafts
- springs
Related Words
Common Collocations
- oil wells
- drill wells
- water wells
- gas wells
- sink wells
- dried-up wells
Word Forms
well (n); wells (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B