watery

adjective

wa·​tery ˈwȯ-tə-rē 

ˈwä-

1

a

: consisting of, filled with, or surrounded by water

b

: containing, sodden with, or yielding water or a thin liquid

a watery solution

watery vesicles

2

a

: resembling water or watery matter especially in thin fluidity, soggy texture, paleness, or lack of savor

watery sunlight

a watery soup

watery diarrhea

b

: exhibiting weakness and vapidity : wishy-washy

a watery writing style

waterily

ˈwȯ-tə-rə-lē 

ˈwä-

adverb

wateriness

ˈwȯ-tə-rē-nəs 

ˈwä-

noun

Synonyms of watery

• dripping
• saturated
• wet
• bathed
• flooded
• washed
• soaked
• soaking
• saturate

Examples of watery in a Sentence

The pollen caused her eyes to become watery.

The soup was watery and had no flavor.

the watery light of winter

Recent Examples on the Web

Use firm peaches to prevent the custard from becoming too watery. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Common signs include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, fever, and chills. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Every Sunday, the kids club—adorably called Sweet Potato—organizes eco-educational activities such as bamboo kit workshops and pigment painting classes, and the shallow end of the beachfront infinity pool delivers hours of watery fun. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

The Centers for Disease Control says the most common symptoms are frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and fatigue. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing watery

• a watery grave

Rhymes for watery

• cautery
• lottery
• pottery
• electrocautery

Kids Definition

watery

adjective

wa·​tery ˈwȯt-ə-rē 

ˈwät-

1

a

: consisting of or filled with water

a watery hole

b

: containing or giving out water or a thin liquid

a watery mixture

watery eyes

2

: being like water especially in thinness, sogginess, paleness, or lack of taste

watery soup

Medical Definition

watery

adjective

wa·​tery ˈwȯt-ə-rē, ˈwät- 

1

: consisting of or filled with water

2

: containing, sodden with, or yielding water or a thin liquid

a watery solution

watery stools