Dam (agricultural reservoir) explained

A dam is a water reservoir in the ground, confined by a barrier, embankment or excavation, on a pastoral property or similar. The term is found widely in South African, Australian^[1] and New Zealand English, and several other English dialects, such as that of Yorkshire.^[2]

The term can be found in the old English folk song Three Jolly Rogues:

The expression "farm dam" has this meaning unambiguously, and where the barrier or embankment is intended, it may be referred to as the "dam wall".

Usage examples

Examples from Australia:^{[3] [4] [5]}

An example from New Zealand:^[6]

Examples from South Africa:^[7]

See also

• Irrigation tank

Notes and References

1. Book: W.S. . Ramson . The Australian National Dictionary . Oxford University Press . 1988 . 0-19-554736-5.
2. Book: J.A. . Simpson . E.S.C. . Weiner . The Oxford English Dictionary . 1989 . IV . 223 . Clarendon Press . Oxford UK . 0-19-861216-8.
3. News: Inquest at Maitland . . VI . 577 . South Australia . 16 April 1878 . 7 March 2016 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
4. News: The Week's News . . XXVII . 1486 . South Australia . 26 March 1870 . 7 March 2016 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
5. News: Citizens Must Reduce Water Demands . . LV . 16,618 . New South Wales, Australia . 7 January 1943 . 7 March 2016 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
6. News: Drowned in Dam . . LXII . 10 . 13 January 1931 . 9 . 13 March 2016.
7. Web site: dam - definition of dam in A Dictionary of South African English - DSAE . 2024-05-17 . dsae.co.za.