hose - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hose Word Meanings
- a flexible tube for conveying water
- a covering for the foot and leg, typically made of cloth
- to spray water or liquid onto something
hose Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hose Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/həʊz/
US
/hoʊz/
hose Word Etymology
Root: hose (Old English hosa, meaning 'garment for the leg'); Historical origin: from Old English hosa → Middle English hose → Modern English hose; Memory image: Imagine watering a garden with a green, coiling hose, bringing life with every spray.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Hoses are flexible tubes designed to convey liquids, most often water. They come in garden hoses, which are coiled and used to water plants, wash cars, or clean patios, and in various household sizes for indoor tasks. The noun sense also covers hosiery: historically in English 'hose' meant stockings or leg coverings, a usage now mostly found in fashion or historical contexts. The verb 'to hose' means to spray or wash with a hose, as in hosing down a muddy driveway or watering a garden. Americans might say 'hose the lawn', while Brits may use 'hose down the patio' or simply 'water the garden'.
Usage Reminders
- Remember hose has two main senses: water hose vs stockings (historical).
- Use garden hose for outdoor watering, not for piping inside walls.
- Pair with verbs: hose down, hose off, water with a hose.
- British English often still says 'hose pipe' or simply 'hose'.
- Avoid mixing meanings in the same sentence; clarify context.
- In writing, use 'hose' as noun or verb, never as a plural noun for people.
Common Misconceptions
- Hose always refers to stockings, not a water tube.
- A hose and a pipe are the same thing.
- You can use hose for any liquid, not just water.
- To hose down means to dry off, not wet.
- British usage is exactly the same as American usage.
Thinking Differences
Explain to English learners that hose has two distinct senses and that context decides which meaning is intended; emphasize common collocations and modern usage.
Learning Tips
- Make flashcards for each sense: water hose and stockings.
- Practice collocations: garden hose, hose down, hose pipe.
- Listen for context indicators like outdoors vs fashion/history.
- Learn phrasal verb patterns with hose: hose off, hose down.
- Compare US vs UK usage: garden hose vs hose pipe.
- Create memory images linking hose to watering and stockings.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'hose'?
A.Glove
B.Tree
C.A long, flexible tube used to carry water
D.Car
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'hose' correctly?
A.She wore a hose on her head.
B.He used the hose to water the garden.
C.The hose barked loudly at the mailman.
D.I ate a delicious hose for lunch.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'hose'?
A.Book
B.Spoon
C.Pipe
D.Shoe
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hose'?
A.Water
B.Dry
C.Fire
D.House
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving a 'hose'?
A.She painted the walls in her room.
B.He rode his bike to the park.
C.The gardener used a hose to water the plants.
D.The firefighter extinguished the flames.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App