waterworks

plural noun

wa·​ter·​works ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwərks 

ˈwä-

1

: the system of reservoirs, channels, mains, and pumping and purifying equipment by which a water supply is obtained and distributed (as to a city)

2

: an ornamental fountain or cascade

3

: the shedding of tears : tears

Examples of waterworks in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the Lido, Don’t Look Back in Anger is sparking waterworks. — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Lind had to do a lot of wailing upon discovering Rob-Will’s lifeless body, but the waterworks weren’t limited to just her coverage. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2026

The vow exchange proved a tear-jerker, and according to one of the guests, Kelce was the one really turning up the waterworks. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 July 2026

Four years later in Italy, the waterworks went again, as those infernal penalty kicks tripped us up against West Germany in the semifinal. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing waterworks

• turn on the waterworks

Rhymes for waterworks

• ironworks
• masterworks
• artworks
• breastworks
• brickworks
• earthworks
• fireworks
• frameworks
• gasworks
• glassworks
• headworks
• networks

Kids Definition

waterworks

plural noun

wa·​ter·​works ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwərks 

ˈwät-

: a system of reservoirs, pumps, and pipes for supplying water (as to a city)