What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
weir
Example
The fish ladder was built next to the weir to help fish migrate upstream. [weir: noun]
Example
The water level was measured using a weir. [weir: noun]
Example
The river was diverted by a weir to irrigate the surrounding fields. [weir: noun]
dam
Example
The Hoover Dam is a famous example of a large-scale dam. [dam: noun]
Example
The river was dammed to create a hydroelectric power plant. [dam: verb]
Example
The dam prevented the town from flooding during heavy rains. [dam: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dam is a more commonly used term than weir in everyday language. Dam is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while weir is less common and typically used in specific technical or engineering contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between weir and dam?
Both weir and dam are technical terms and are typically used in formal or technical contexts. However, dam is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
