waterworks

plural noun

wa·​ter·​works ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwərks How to pronounce waterworks (audio)
ˈwä-
1
: the system of reservoirs, channels, mains, and pumping and purifying equipment by which a water supply is obtained and distributed (as to a city)
2
: an ornamental fountain or cascade
3
: the shedding of tears : tears

Examples of waterworks in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kate teases a secret throughout the show, building suspense about the scarring childhood experience that permanently clogged her waterworks. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2024 The waterworks came when Devin felt guilt for taking Nick across the world from his family. Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 13 Nov. 2023 Gates was then told he would be inducted to the team's Hall of Fame, and that's when the waterworks came. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2023 Liev Schreiber!), but special shoutout for Mahershala Ali's Uncle Aaron, who brings on the waterworks every single time with a performance that even through limited scenes and only voiceover, feels so human and warm. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 6 June 2023 While the intake to the Ohio River was shut off, the waterworks used its water reserves, which are free from containments related to the train derailment, to serve its 1.1 million customers in Cincinnati. Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 20 Feb. 2023 Cue the waterworks, this is just too precious for words! Maggie Horton, Country Living, 25 June 2023 But the waterworks came in bunches in the later innings of their 6-3victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates, fueled by center fielder Cedric Mullins recording the seventh cycle in team history and the first since close friend and fellow Orioles outfielder Austin Hays in June of last year. Nathan Ruiz, Baltimore Sun, 12 May 2023 Cue the waterworks! Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 19 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'waterworks.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterworks was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near waterworks

Cite this Entry

“Waterworks.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterworks. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

waterworks

noun plural
wa·​ter·​works ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwərks How to pronounce waterworks (audio)
ˈwät-
: a system of reservoirs, pumps, and pipes for supplying water (as to a city)

More from Merriam-Webster on waterworks

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