cold-wa·ter
ˈkōld-ˌwȯ-tər 
-ˌwä-
: having only running water without heat or utility services provided
a cold-water flat
: 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
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, cold-water species often see their metabolism rise in warmer waters, meaning there’s less oxygen available.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Johnston explains that wool rugs should only be cleaned with a cold water process, which protects the fibers from damage or distortion.
—Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold-water
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
Use cold-water detergent: If the temperature of your home's water regularly dips to around 60, buy detergent specially formulated for cold water.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, cold-water species often see their metabolism rise in warmer waters, meaning there’s less oxygen available.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
Fellow clubgoers splashed cold water on his face in an attempt to stop the shuddering.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Johnston explains that wool rugs should only be cleaned with a cold water process, which protects the fibers from damage or distortion.
—Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cold-water
Cite this Entry
“Cold-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold-water. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share