water table

noun

1
: a stringcourse or similar member when projecting so as to throw off water
2
: the upper limit of the portion of the ground wholly saturated with water

Examples of water table in a Sentence

Heavy rainfall has caused the water table to rise.
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.
In parts of the river’s upper basin, groundwater pumping can reduce the flow of streams by lowering the water table, Abdelmohsen said. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 These illicit operations may divert streams, destroy native vegetation, and withdraw water from small creeks that feed local water tables. Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 23 May 2025 Here's how Brandon lays out the issue: THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF TALK around Arizona about the state’s inability to regulate most rural groundwater basins, a legal blind spot that has allowed industries to send water tables into steep declines. Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 5 Feb. 2024 The water table is only 4 to 8 feet from the surface in some areas. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for water table

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of water table was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Water table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20table. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

water table

noun
: the upper limit of the portion of the ground completely soaked with water

More from Merriam-Webster on water table

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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