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
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Adjective
These retreats have been designed around the island’s five unique seasons (springrise being the fifth) and include mindful cold-water immersions in the Baltic, aquatic movement sessions, and, of course, sauna rituals. Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026 As energy prices remain elevated across much of the country, cold-water laundry has emerged as one of the simplest ways households can reduce monthly bills while still keeping up with everyday chores. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
Baker also threw cold water on the argument that proponents, including Alabama head coach Nate Oats have made, arguing that the NCAA system allows professionals from overseas teams to join college rosters. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026 By pushing more water downstream in winter and spring, the proposal would leave less water stored in reservoirs and less cold water available to cool rivers later in the year. Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cold-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold-water. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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