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
The river originates at cold-water springs high up in the Ouachita Mountains, cutting a spectacular course along forested shorelines and past rocky outcroppings. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026 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
Noun
Drain and rinse under cold water. Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 When someone enters cold water, the body has a cold water shock response. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 21 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.

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