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

In Gary, Indiana, on Monday, long lines of people were seen waiting for fresh food, cold water, and ice. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

When to Mop With Cold Water In many situations, cleaning professionals recommend using hot water to help break down stubborn dirt and residue, but cold water can be just as valuable. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 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