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

Symptoms often begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes before progressing to a distinctive rash. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Only blend for about 30 seconds; overblending can melt the ice and make the margaritas watery. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026

Health officials said anyone who may have been exposed should look out for symptoms including a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Officials are advising that anyone concerned about exposure should monitor themselves for measles symptoms, which can include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 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