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water

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noun American English pronunciation: water /ˈwɔtər/ 
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singularwater
pluralwaters
  1. 1
    [uncountable] the clear liquid that falls as rain and is used for things such as drinking and washing

    Soldiers were able to get food and water across the border.

    Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

    Just add water to the cake mix.

    a glass of water

    sparkling/carbonated water (=water for drinking that has gas added to it)

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  waterThesaurus entry for this meaning of water
    1. a.
      the supply of water to homes and buildings

      the monthly water bill

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  waterThesaurus entry for this meaning of water
      See also  running water
  2. 2
    [uncountable] an area of water such as a lake or ocean

    From the hotel there’s a beautiful view of the water.

    San Francisco is right on the water.

    by water (=by boat):

    Island residents have their mail delivered by water.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  waterThesaurus entry for this meaning of water
    1. a.
      [countable/uncountable] the surface of a lake or the ocean

      The water was calm and still.

      swimming under the water

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  waterThesaurus entry for this meaning of water
    2. b.

      waters

       [plural] an area of water that belongs to a particular place, state, country, etc.

      The boat sailed into international waters.

      Cuban waters

      the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  waterThesaurus entry for this meaning of water
  3. 3

    waters

     [plural] used for talking about a particular type of situation

    young couples thrown headfirst into the unknown waters of parenthood

    stormy/turbulent etc. waters (=a difficult situation):

    There seemed to be stormy waters ahead for the Bush administration.

    murky waters (=a mysterious or frightening situation):

    Someone mentions drugs and the waters turn very murky.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  waterThesaurus entry for this meaning of water

phrases

This is the American English definition of water. View British English definition of water.

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