1. the practice of searching for underground water, minerals, or other substances using a divining rod or similar tool
Usage: also called water witching or divining

Examples

• The farmer hired someone skilled in dowsing to locate water for a new well.
• Dowsing has been practiced for centuries, though scientists question its effectiveness.
• She walked across the field with a forked stick, using dowsing to search for underground water.
• The dowsing rod supposedly moves when it detects water beneath the ground.
• Many people remain skeptical about dowsing despite its long history.
• Traditional dowsing involves holding a Y-shaped branch while walking over an area.