puddle
UK: ˈpʌd(ə)l | US: ˈpəd(ə)l
n. a small pool of liquid, especially rainwater
v. to mix or stir (a substance, especially clay or mortar) with water
v. to make muddy or dirty
The word "puddle" traces back to Middle English podel or puddel, likely derived from Old English pudd (a ditch or furrow) combined with the diminutive suffix -le, implying something small or shallow. The Germanic root pud- relates to wetness or hollows, reflecting the word’s enduring connection to small accumulations of liquid. Over time, "puddle" expanded to describe mixing substances (e.g., clay) with water, emphasizing the action of creating a wet, muddy consistency.
Children jumped gleefully in the rain-filled puddle.
The artist puddled the clay to prepare it for sculpting.
His boots were caked with mud after trudging through puddles.
A thin layer of ice formed over the puddle overnight.
The construction workers puddled the mortar to ensure proper adhesion.