Definition

A person who searches for underground water or minerals using a special tool called a divining rod.

Example

The dowser walked through the field, holding his rod to find water.

Conversation

Have you ever met a dowser?

No, I haven't. What do they do?

They use a divining rod to find water underground.

That sounds really interesting! I wonder how it actually works.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dowser → The word 'dowser' originates from the term 'douse' (from Middle English *dousen*, meaning to plunge into water) combined with the suffix '-er' (meaning a person who). A dowser is a person who uses a divining rod to search for underground water, essentially plunging into the earth to find it.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'plunges' ('douse') into the ground to find water — that's what a dowser does.

Visually Confused Words