cold-water

1 of 2

adjective

cold-wa·​ter ˈkōld-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce cold-water (audio)
-ˌwä-
: having only running water without heat or utility services provided
a cold-water flat

cold water

2 of 2

noun

: depreciation of something as being ill-advised, unwarranted, or worthless
threw cold water on our hopes

Examples of cold-water in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Festivals where heat is an issue are sometimes equipped with mobile cold-water immersion tanks to cool people down quickly, Friedman says. ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026 Wessel was then transported across the creek by boat to begin treating the animal on site, including administering medication and addressing the immediate effects of prolonged cold-water exposure. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
When people suddenly enter water temperatures below 60 degrees, cold water shock can set in. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026 For the frame, wipe any stains with cold water. Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cold-water

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cold-water was in 1808

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Cite this Entry

“Cold-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold-water. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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