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the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal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

While Iran and Oman have their territorial waters in the strait, it’s viewed as an international waterway all ships can ply. —Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

About 20% of the world's oil supplies pass through the waterway. —Imtiaz Tyab, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026

That geographic spread covers a large swath of southern Florida, encompassing both heavily urban areas and more rural regions with waterways and natural habitats where the lizards can thrive. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026

Designed around lush vegetation, waterways, and carefully maintained wildlife habitats, the park gives visitors a chance to explore environments inspired by African and Asian landscapes without ever leaving Central Florida. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 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