hose

1 of 2

noun

ˈhōz How to pronounce hose (audio)
plural hose or hoses
Synonyms of hosenext
1
plural hose
a(1)
: a cloth leg covering that sometimes covers the foot
(2)
: stocking, sock
b(1)
: a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist that is usually attached to a doublet by points
(2)
: short breeches reaching to the knee
2
: a flexible tube for conveying fluids (as from a faucet or hydrant)

hose

2 of 2

verb

hosed; hosing

transitive verb

1
a
: to spray, water, or wash with a hose
—often used with down
hose down a stable floor
b
slang : to fire automatic weapons at
—usually used with down
2
slang : to deprive of something due or expected : trick, cheat

Synonyms of hose

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Noun

Verb

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Examples of hose in a Sentence

Noun There are several hoses stored in the shed. We need another 50 feet of hose. Verb when the guy failed to return with our money, we realized that we had been hosed
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.
Noun
In an area of the Mojave Desert, cargo thefts are a pervasive problem, with thieves boarding slow-moving freight trains to steal high-value merchandise, sometimes slashing an air brake hose to bring the railcars to an emergency stop. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 But even a leaky spigot or hose can attract a snake, adds Taylor. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
Later, Gillotte, who got hosed on a roughing the passer penalty that had Andy Reid bickering with officials, picked up his first sack of the season. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026 Soil fertility is mostly beside the point, and even an inconvenience, since lawns have to be mowed, leaves blown into piles, and pollen hosed off windshields in the spring. — James Whorton Jr, Longreads, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hose

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hosa stocking, husk; akin to Old High German hosa leg covering

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hose was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing hose

Rhymes for hose

See All Rhymes for hose

Browse Nearby Words

HO scale
hose
Hosea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hose. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hose

1 of 2 noun
ˈhōz How to pronounce hose (audio)
1
plural hose
a
: stocking, sock
b
: a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist worn by men in about 1600
c
: short pants reaching to the knee
2
plural hose or hoses : a flexible tube for carrying fluid

hose

2 of 2 verb
hosed; hosing
: to spray, water, or wash with a hose

More from Merriam-Webster on hose

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hose

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