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
Our Rustin Dodd spoke with an expert about the effects and tested some now-trendy cold-water practices out himself. Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 May 2026 Styles has talked about daily outdoor cold-water swimming, including dips at Dublin’s Vico Baths. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026
Noun
That’s why the state’s nonpartisan watchdog, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, quickly poured cold water on Newsom’s good-news budget moment. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026 Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also appeared to pour cold water on any signs of an imminent breakthrough. Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 30 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cold-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold-water. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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