pail

noun

ˈpāl How to pronounce pail (audio)
Synonyms of pail
1
: a usually cylindrical container with a handle : bucket
a milk pail
2
: the quantity that a pail contains
a pail of water
pailful
ˈpāl-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce pail (audio)
noun

Synonyms of pail

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Examples of pail in a Sentence

A plastic beach pail was lying on the sand. She poured a pail of water on the campfire.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, a pail of bloody fabric was discovered in the basement. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 At Bolsa Chica State Beach, swimmers suffering stings to the sides of their feet and toes sat in a circle refilling their pails with hot water from a hose. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Polls show Farage is still likely to win, but that Count Binface — a spoof candidate who wears a garbage pail on his head — may get around 20-percent of the vote. — Lauren Frayer, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026 The popcorn pail, topped with a replica of the giant sandworms of planet Arrakis, made customers reach their hands through the sandworm's teeth to dish out popcorn from inside. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pail

Word History

Etymology

Middle English payle, paille

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pail was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing pail

Rhymes for pail

See All Rhymes for pail

Browse Nearby Words

paik
pail
pailful
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Cite this Entry

“Pail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pail. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pail

noun
ˈpā(ə)l How to pronounce pail (audio)
1
: a round container that is open at the top and has a handle : bucket
2
: the quantity held by a pail
fetch a pail of water
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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