spout

A spout is a projecting tube, lip, or outlet that directs the flow of liquid or gas from a container, device, or fixture. It is designed to control the direction, rate, and splash of the discharge. Spouts are common on vessels such as teapots, kettles, pitchers, and watering cans, where their shape—curved, straight, or angled—helps pour without spilling. They may be fixed or removable and can include features like pour-control inserts, caps, or detachable nozzles to minimize drips.

In plumbing and equipment, a spout refers to an outlet or nozzle on faucets, dispensers, tanks, fountains, or spillways. Spouts can be made from metal, plastic, ceramic, or other materials and are often engineered to withstand the liquid’s temperature and pressure. They are a key element in packaging, beverage equipment, irrigation systems, and scientific instruments, where accurate flow direction is important.

As a verb, spout means to eject a stream of liquid or gas, or to utter words in a forceful, often pompous, manner. A geyser may spout water, while a speaker may spout opinions. The term can be neutral when describing action or carry a critical nuance depending on context.

Related terms include nozzle, faucet, pour spout, and outlet. The concept also appears in various regional names and in cultural phrases, but its core meaning remains the same: a physical channel that directs flow from a container or system.