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

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

Adjective

The researchers also found more days when rivers were warm enough to stress cold-water species like bull trout. — Matthew Brown, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026

Veterinarians assessed the belugas' fitness for travel before they were loaded into specialized cold-water containers and transported by truck and plane, the aquariums said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Noun

Harrold wasn't alone in pouring cold water on hopes of a family reconciliation. — Lauryn Overhultz , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 4 months; thaw safely in the fridge, cold water, or microwave. — Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 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