Spicket or Spigot: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Spicket or spigot? If you’re referring to an outdoor faucet used to connect a garden hose, spigot is the standard spelling in American English. Although many people say or write spicket, it is a less commonly accepted variant. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right spelling in everyday and formal writing.

Quick Answer:

Spigot is the standard spelling for a faucet or valve that controls the flow of water or other liquids.

Spicket is a commonly encountered variant, but spigot is the preferred choice in standard written English.

Spigot vs. Spicket: What’s the Difference?

Both forms generally refer to the same device. The main difference is their acceptance in standard writing.

What Does Spigot Mean?

A spigot is a small faucet, valve, or outlet used to control liquid flowing from a pipe, tank, barrel, or container.

In American English, it commonly refers to an outdoor water faucet attached to the side of a house. You can connect a garden hose to it for watering plants, washing vehicles, or cleaning outdoor areas.

Examples:

• Turn off the spigot after watering the garden.
• The outdoor spigot is leaking.
• We connected the garden hose to the spigot.
• The plumber replaced the broken spigot.

What Does Spicket Mean?

Spicket is a less common spelling associated with the same type of outdoor faucet or water valve as spigot. Some people use it in everyday conversation because they have heard or learned that spelling in their local communities.

The confusion also has a historical connection. Merriam-Webster’s entry for spicket traces the word to the Middle English form spyket. This helps explain why the alternative spelling exists, even though spigot is the preferred form in standard writing.

For example:

“My grandfather calls the outdoor faucet a spicket.”

The word may appear in informal speech, but spigot is the safer choice for articles, emails, school assignments, and professional documents.

Water Spicket or Spigot: Which Is Correct?

Water spigot is the preferred spelling in standard American English. It describes an outdoor faucet that supplies water, usually for connecting a garden hose.

For example:

• Preferred: Turn off the water spigot before disconnecting the hose.
• Less standard: Turn off the water spicket before disconnecting the hose.

Both expressions may be understood, but water spigot is the better option in general writing.

Spigot and Spicket Examples

Here are some examples showing how both forms appear in sentences:

1. The garden spigot needs a new handle.
2. Water is dripping from the outdoor spigot.
3. She attached the hose to the spigot.
4. The old spigot stopped working during winter.
5. My grandfather calls it a spicket.
6. Spicket is a spelling variation you may encounter in informal usage.

FAQs

Is spicket a real word?

Spicket is a recognized spelling variant associated with spigot. However, it is less commonly accepted in standard written English.

How do you spell water spicket?

The preferred spelling is water spigot. Use this form when referring to an outdoor faucet or water valve.

What is a spigot used for?

A spigot controls the flow of liquid from a pipe, tank, barrel, or container. Outdoor versions are commonly used to connect garden hoses.

Which spelling should I use in formal writing?

Use spigot. It is the standard spelling and the safest choice for professional, academic, and general-purpose writing.

Conclusion

When referring to an outdoor faucet or water valve, spigot is the preferred spelling in standard American English. Although spicket appears in informal usage and has a historical background, it is less commonly accepted in edited writing. When in doubt, choose spigot.

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Mignon Fogarty

Mignon Fogarty is an experienced English grammar and writing expert specializing in grammar, word usage, and clear American English. At EduNexxt, her focus is making grammar simple, accurate, and practical.