cold-water

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adjective

cold-wa·​ter ˈkōld-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

: having only running water without heat or utility services provided

a cold-water flat

cold water

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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

Use cold-water delicate settings, then air-dry or tumble dry with low heat. — Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026

These might be mineral water showers or baths, cold-water enemas, or just drinking 3 glasses of stinky, sulfurous spring water daily before breakfast, while strolling and engaging in pleasant conversation on a landscaped promenade. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 July 2026

Noun

Plunge your face, eyes and temples into a bowl of cold water and ice for as long as possible. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 July 2026

Always rinse your swimsuit in cold water right after swimming to remove chlorine or salt and prevent fabric damage. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 20 July 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