cold-water

1 of 2

adjective

: 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
With 41% of Americans still defaulting to hot, watch for whether that share drops as energy costs rise and cold-water messaging from brands and utilities increases. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026 Allied attributed the result partly to on-site solar power, cold-water detergents and a reclamation system that recirculates 95 percent of the plant’s water. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
Connecticut’s cold water boating season has officially started with some new laws in place which boaters will need to know, according to officials with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026 There's no access to ice or cold water, and during periodic power outages, there's no electricity. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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