fresh·wa·ter
ˈfresh-ˈwȯ-tər 
-ˈwä-
1
a
: consisting of or containing fresh water
freshwater marshes
freshwater aquariums
compare saltwater
b
: living in or taken from fresh water
freshwater mussels/fish
freshwater pearls
c
: relating to or taking place in fresh water
freshwater diving/sailing
2
US, dated
: inland and usually provincial
a freshwater college
or less commonly freshwater
ˈfresh-ˈwȯ-tər
-ˈwä-
1
: water that is not salty
… the lake holds the largest volume of fresh water in the world, 5,000 cubic miles.—
Philip Taubman
Philip Taubman
also
: water that is considered suitable for consumption
He saw many islands, but they were flat or rocky or they lacked fresh water or their anchorage was too shallow. —John Taylor
John Taylor 2
: a body of fresh water
The hydrosphere includes oceans, fresh water, glaciers, and ice caps.—Leigh Broadhurst
compare salt water
Leigh BroadhurstExamples of freshwater in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
The 27-mile one-way loop traverses the eastern flank of Acadia’s Mount Desert Island skipping from freshwater ponds to beaches and cliffs, delivering some of Maine’s most iconic coastal views along the way.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 7 Mar. 2025
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025
According to the study, the uninhibited pumping of groundwater by farmers, cities and corporations around the world now accounts for 68% of the total loss of fresh water at the latitudes where most people live.
—ProPublica, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for freshwater
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Adjective
These freshwater fish were a vital food source for Native American communities in the region and were most easily caught during this time of year.
—Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
The 27-mile one-way loop traverses the eastern flank of Acadia’s Mount Desert Island skipping from freshwater ponds to beaches and cliffs, delivering some of Maine’s most iconic coastal views along the way.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
So, no millions of gallons of fresh water, no vast recreational opportunities bringing vast economic development.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025
According to the study, the uninhibited pumping of groundwater by farmers, cities and corporations around the world now accounts for 68% of the total loss of fresh water at the latitudes where most people live.
—ProPublica, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for freshwater
Cite this Entry
“Freshwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freshwater. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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