Definition of the word watering hole

The term "watering hole" is an expression originally used by hunters in Southern Africa to describe a natural source of water for wildlife. Since ancient times, animals would gather at these water sources during dry seasons, making them prime locations for hunting. The expression is derived from the hunting practice of setting up water troughs or artificial water sources, known as watering holes, near an animal's natural water source. This tactic provided an opportunity for the hunter to ambush the animals that would come to drink from the water source. In the late 19th century, the term began to be used to describe natural watering holes in Africa, as Europeans started to explore and document the continent's wildlife. The expression has since spread around the world, and is now commonly used to describe any place where wildlife gather to drink, relax, and socialize, whether natural or man-made.