cold-water

1 of 2

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 glaciers provide essential water for rivers, supplying drinking water downstream, maintaining cold-water habitats for salmon and supporting hydropower generation in the region, according to the National Park Service. —Daniel Peck, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025

More research is needed to support the positive effects of cold-water therapy on immunity and mood, according to reporting from Harvard Health Publishing. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025

Noun

The nation’s chief executive this week threw cold water on a Federal Communications Commission plan to lift the cap on the total stations one broadcasting company may own. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 27 Nov. 2025

This cycle setting rinses a load of laundry with cold water, drains the drum, and spins dry, all without detergent. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2025

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