What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cock
Example
Please turn the cock to stop the water from flowing. [cock: noun]
Example
He carefully adjusted the cock to control the air pressure. [cock: verb]
valve
Example
The plumber replaced the faulty valve in the water pipe. [valve: noun]
Example
She carefully adjusted the valve to increase the airflow. [valve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Valve is more commonly used than cock in technical or formal contexts. Valve is a widely recognized term across different industries, while cock is more commonly used in specific applications such as plumbing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cock and valve?
While cock is associated with a more informal tone, valve is considered a more formal term suitable for technical or professional discussions.