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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
That same logic is built into Laundry Sauce, which formulates its detergents specifically for cold-water performance, combining enzyme cleaning with fragrance designed to adhere to fabric. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026 Navarro might continue a discussion while taking a cold-water plunge in a specialized indoor tub. Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Noun
Drip cold water in farthest faucet from your main valve. Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 27 Jan. 2026 Wash gently in cold water and never dried in the machine; hang dry them, ideally in the sun and always thoroughly. Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 27 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cold-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold-water. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!