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.
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 Desalination plants are vital for water-scarce Gulf Arab countries, drawing seawater and removing salts and minerals so the water can be used for drinking and basic needs. Npr Staff, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026 Genes to counteract iron deficiency increased because seawater has just 1 percent the iron of fresh water or soil. David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 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 5 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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