What does pool mean?
A pool is most commonly a body of standing water, such as a garden pool, swimming pool, or small natural pond. The word can also refer to a collection of people, vehicles, money, or other resources that are gathered together for a particular purpose, as in a car pool or a pool of applicants. As a verb, “to pool” means to combine contributions or resources: people pool money, knowledge, or effort. The metaphorical uses suggest that separate items are being brought together into a shared stock or system. “Pool” is therefore useful not only for describing water but also for explaining how individuals, organizations, or resources combine. Its neutral tone allows it to refer to everything from recreational swimming to finance, work, and transportation.
A body of still or relatively still water, especially one smaller than a lake; by extension, a collection of people, vehicles, money, or resources gathered for a shared purpose.
"They joined the car pool to reduce their commuting costs."
The metaphorical sense is common in formal and business contexts.
To combine money, resources, information, or effort in a shared collection or arrangement.
"The departments pooled their data to prepare a more complete report."
Often used in formal, organizational, or business writing.
The standard plural of the noun is “pools.”
"Several swimming pools are open in the city."
From a place to swim to a group of cars sharing one ride, “pool” has one remarkable talent: turning a simple collection into something useful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pool
The English word entered Middle English in forms such as “pol” and “pool,” borrowed through Old French from a word meaning a standing body of water. Its deeper origins are connected with Germanic and Indo-European forms for a pool or muddy hole, which also appear in related words such as “puddle.” Modern English extended the word beyond water to denote any collection of resources, while the verb developed from the idea of placing or combining something into a common pool.
Related word forms
How pool is actually used
The noun is common for both natural and man-made bodies of water. In business and organizational contexts, “pool” often has a formal or institutional tone, as in “a pool of talent” or “a pooled investment.” The verb is especially common in reporting and business writing.
Easily confused with pool
A pond is usually a natural body of standing water, whereas a pool may be natural or man-made and can also refer metaphorically to a group or collection of resources.
A puddle is a small, shallow, usually temporary accumulation of water, while a pool is generally deeper or more substantial.