What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sistern
Example
The sistern in the backyard is full of rainwater. [sistern: noun]
Example
The village relies on sisterns to collect and store water during the dry season. [sisterns: plural noun]
cistern
Example
The cistern beneath the house holds enough water for a month. [cistern: noun]
Example
The city has a network of cisterns to collect and store rainwater for later use. [cisterns: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cistern is more commonly used than sistern in everyday language. Cistern is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while sistern is less common and more specific to rural areas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sistern and cistern?
Both sistern and cistern are formal terms and are not commonly used in informal conversation. However, cistern may be used in more formal settings due to its versatility and larger size.
