groundwater

noun

ground·​wa·​ter ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

: water within the earth especially that supplies wells and springs

Examples of groundwater in a Sentence

There were concerns about contaminated groundwater.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sal, Boa Vista and São Vicente depend heavily on seawater desalination because their groundwater resources cannot meet demand, which in turn increases energy consumption. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Electronics and small appliances contain chemicals such as lead and mercury that could contaminate landfill soil and groundwater. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026

California’s tightening regulations limiting groundwater pumping are proving difficult and costly for many small-scale farmers. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Congress granted veterans who served at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune an exception because of severe groundwater contamination that sickened thousands of veterans and their families who served and lived on the base between 1953 and 1987. — Nicole Borman, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for groundwater

• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• breakwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater
• granddaughter
• headwater
• manslaughter

Kids Definition

groundwater

noun

ground·​wa·​ter ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwȯt-ər 

-ˌdwät-

: water within the earth that supplies wells and springs