What does tank mean?
“Tank” is a highly versatile English word. Its best-known military sense is an armored combat vehicle, but it also names a large container for storing liquids or gases, a reservoir used in heating systems, and, especially in British English, a swimming pool. The related verb can mean to put liquid into a tank, to fill a vehicle with fuel, to operate or fight with an armored vehicle, and, informally, to perform badly or fail badly. In another modern usage, to tank a hit or a setback means to withstand or absorb it. The word’s range allows it to describe objects as different as a fuel container and a battlefield machine. It is consequently common in news, transport, engineering, sport, and everyday conversation, with meaning determined chiefly by the surrounding context.
A large container for holding liquids or gases; an armored combat vehicle; or, in some contexts, a swimming pool or heat-storage reservoir.
"The fuel tank was nearly empty."
The swimming-pool sense is particularly common in British English.
To place or store liquid in a tank, to fill a vehicle with fuel, to operate or fight with an armored vehicle, or informally to perform very badly.
"The driver tanked up before crossing the desert."
The sense meaning to fail or perform badly is informal and especially common in American English.
The regular plural is used for all noun meanings, including armored vehicles, containers, and swimming pools.
"Several tanks were parked near the factory."
One word can name a liquid container, a swimming pool, and an armored battlefield vehicle—a remarkably versatile vocabulary item.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tank come from?
The English noun is attested from the early 17th century for a large vessel or reservoir, although the precise source and development of the word are uncertain; influence from Portuguese is often suggested but cannot be stated with certainty. Its military meaning arose during the First World War, when armored vehicles came to be called tanks. Later verb uses developed from storing material in a tank, operating or fighting with an armored vehicle, and, more recently, informal senses involving poor performance or absorbing damage.
Related word forms
How tank is actually used
The informal verb sense meaning to perform badly is especially common in American English, as in “the team tanked.” “Tank” for a swimming pool is particularly established in British English. The verb “to tank” can also mean to absorb substantial damage, depending on context.
Easily confused with tank
A tanker is a ship, truck, or aircraft designed to transport liquids or gases, whereas a tank is the container itself or an armored combat vehicle.
A tankard is a large drinking vessel, usually made of metal or pottery, while a tank is much larger and generally used for storage or as a swimming pool.