seawater

noun

sea·​wa·​ter ˈsē-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce seawater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: water in or from the sea

Examples of seawater 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.
Resembling the size and shape of a semi truck’s fuel tanker, it was designed to use seawater to cool itself and be largely self-sufficient once anchored to the seabed. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 2 Apr. 2026 Many experts say water recycling and conservation should come first, noting wastewater purification typically uses far less energy than seawater desalination and can substantially reduce impacts on marine life. ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026 Attacks on desalination plants, which convert seawater into potable water and are critical in the arid Middle East, could pose additional challenges for these facilities, which require water for cooling purposes. John Liu, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026 As freshwater pressure drops, seawater can push into the region’s porous limestone, threatening the primary drinking water source for millions. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seawater

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seawater was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seawater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seawater. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

seawater

noun
sea·​wa·​ter ˈsē-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce seawater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: water in or from the sea

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