Definitions

1. noun

a large tank or reservoir for storing water or other liquids, especially one built underground or above ground in a structure.

“The ancient city’s cisterns were the primary source of water during the drought.”

2. verb

to store or keep (water, etc.) in a cistern.

“The farmer cisterned the rainwater to use during the dry season.”

3. noun

a small, usually underground container for storing rainwater.

“The old house had a small cistern in the backyard to collect rainwater.”