cold-water

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adjective

cold-wa·​ter ˈkōld-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

: having only running water without heat or utility services provided

a cold-water flat

cold water

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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

Adjective

These might be mineral water showers or baths, cold-water enemas, or just drinking 3 glasses of stinky, sulfurous spring water daily before breakfast, while strolling and engaging in pleasant conversation on a landscaped promenade. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 July 2026

Each path promises the same payoff, consistent cold-water immersion for recovery, stress management and mental resilience, but the setup costs, maintenance demands and daily user experience diverge sharply. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Noun

Drain and rinse under cold water until cool, about 2 minutes. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

Every Republican candidate in the race poured cold water on medical and recreational marijuana at a debate in January. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cold-water

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