waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwā 

ˈwä-

1

: a way or channel for water

2

: a navigable body of water

Synonyms of waterway

• canal
• aqueduct

Examples of waterway in a Sentence

the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal

Recent Examples on the Web

That mine exports its product mostly via fjord during the part of the year when the waterway isn’t frozen over. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026

Morteza Nikoubazl | Nurphoto | Getty Images Blocking the waterway, even temporarily, can ratchet up global energy prices, raise shipping costs and cause significant supply delays. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026

This crystal-clear waterway is home to multiple species of fish, including rainbow trout and the (adorable) arroyo chub. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Participants will spread throughout the beach areas and nearby beaches to pick up trash that would otherwise end up in waterways, according to the Del Mar Village Association’s website. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for waterway

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwā 

ˈwät-

1

: a channel for water

2

: a body of water through which ships can travel