Meaning & use
dowsing rods
Last updated
“dowsing rods” is a form of “dowsing rod”.
Meaning
nounplural
A pair of rods, often L-shaped, used in dowsing to try to find underground water or minerals.
Grammar: Always used in the plural to refer to the pair; a single one is a 'dowsing rod'.
Patterns
- use dowsing rods
- dowsing rods for finding water
- a pair of dowsing rods
The dowser walked across the field holding dowsing rods.
Some people believe dowsing rods can detect hidden water sources.
He bought a set of dowsing rods online.
Word forms
| singular | dowsing rod |
|---|
Common combinations
- use dowsing rods
- She learned to use dowsing rods from her grandfather.
- a pair of dowsing rods
- He carried a pair of dowsing rods in his backpack.
- dowsing rods for water
- Dowsing rods for water are common in rural areas.
Synonyms and how they differ
- divining rods
- Another name for the same tools, often used in older or more formal texts.
- water witching rods
- An informal American term for dowsing rods, especially for finding water.
Word family
Commonly confused: dowsing rods or divining rods?
dowsing rods vs divining rods
Often used interchangeably, but 'divining rods' can also refer to rods used for other types of divination.
Practice
What are dowsing rods typically used for?
Choose one answer.
Dowsing rods are tools used in dowsing, a practice to locate underground water or minerals. They are not used for measuring temperature, cooking, or music.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dowsing rods”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.