groundwater

noun

ground·​wa·​ter ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

: water within the earth especially that supplies wells and springs

Examples of groundwater in a Sentence

There were concerns about contaminated groundwater.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years, heavy metals have leached into the farm’s soil and groundwater, Schroeder said. —Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

The web-like formations suggest groundwater was present later in Mars' history than previously thought, raising new questions about how long the planet may have supported conditions favorable to microbial life, according to the statement. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2026

Bennington said the hog waste stored below the buildings was contained, with no concern for impacts on surrounding groundwater. —CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

While drought impacts water utilities in the Western states more directly, saltwater from coastal flooding worsens groundwater quality, and extreme cold can wear on pipes. —Charlotte Slovin, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for groundwater

• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• breakwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater
• granddaughter
• headwater
• manslaughter

Kids Definition

groundwater

noun

ground·​wa·​ter ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwȯt-ər 

-ˌdwät-

: water within the earth that supplies wells and springs