dam
word
/ˈdæm/
dam
/dˈæm/
dam
Definition
A dam is a structure built across a river or stream to hold back water, usually to create a reservoir, control flooding, or generate electricity.
Usage & Nuances
'Dam' is usually used for large, man-made water barriers. Common collocations: 'build a dam', 'the Hoover Dam', 'hydroelectric dam'. Not to be confused with the verb 'dam up' (to block) or the word 'damn' (an expletive or showing disapproval).
Spanish: presa - represaPortuguese (BR): represa - barragemPortuguese (PT): barragem - represaChinese (Simplified): 水坝Chinese (Traditional): 水壩Hindi: बांधArabic: سدBengali: ড্যাম - বাঁধRussian: плотинаJapanese: ダムVietnamese: đậpKorean: 댐Turkish: barajUrdu: بندIndonesian: bendungan
Example Sentences
The dam holds back the river water.
basic
The power station uses water from the dam to make electricity.
natural
They built a new dam last year.
basic
The village is near the dam.
basic
Tourists love visiting the old dam during the summer.
natural
If the dam breaks, the whole valley could flood.
natural