What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sistern
Example
The old farmhouse had a cistern for collecting rainwater. [cistern: noun]
Example
The villagers relied on the cistern for their daily water needs. [cistern: noun]
reservoir
Example
The Hoover Dam is a famous reservoir in the United States. [reservoir: noun]
Example
The reservoir supplies water to the entire city. [reservoir: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reservoir is more commonly used than cistern in everyday language. Reservoir is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while cistern is less common and refers to a specific type of water storage container.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sistern and reservoir?
Both cistern and reservoir are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts related to water management, engineering, or construction.
