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
Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The cotton blend also maintained its size, shape, and color after multiple cold-water washes and low-heat spins in the dryer.
—Kevin Gray, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025
Sarah A. Font, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
How to Wash Throw Blankets Check the care label to see if the blanket requires gentle washing, cold water, or any special handling.
—Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cold-water
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Adjective
Navarro might continue a discussion while taking a cold-water plunge in a specialized indoor tub.
—Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The cotton blend also maintained its size, shape, and color after multiple cold-water washes and low-heat spins in the dryer.
—Kevin Gray, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025
Noun
The most recent universal cash pilot — RxKids of Flint, Michigan — throws more cold water on the hope of an easy answer.
—Sarah A. Font, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
How to Wash Throw Blankets Check the care label to see if the blanket requires gentle washing, cold water, or any special handling.
—Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 2 Jan. 2026
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 6 Jan. 2026.
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