watermark

1 of 2

noun

wa·​ter·​mark ˈwȯ-tər-ˌmärk 

ˈwä-

1

: a mark indicating the height to which water has risen

2

: a marking in paper resulting from differences in thickness usually produced by pressure of a projecting design in the mold or on a processing roll and visible when the paper is held up to the light

also : the design of or the metal pattern producing the marking

watermark

2 of 2

verb

watermarked; watermarking; watermarks

transitive verb

1

: to mark (paper) with a watermark

2

: to impress (a given design) as a watermark

Examples of watermark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But clearly for me the main lesson is that the [Revolut] watermark matters a lot. — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 3 July 2026

An overheated iron can leave scorch marks, discolor the fabric, or create shiny spots or watermarks. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Verb

Mildred is now taking steps to watermark her videos, website and urging you to watch out, too. — Frankie McLister, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

Currently, the ability to watermark a data set can be used by bad actors to cause harm. — IEEE Spectrum, 21 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for watermark

• disembark
• matriarch
• meadowlark
• patriarch
• arc
• ark
• bark
• barque
• dark
• hark
• lark
• marc

Kids Definition

watermark

1 of 2 noun

wa·​ter·​mark ˈwȯt-ər-ˌmärk 

ˈwät-

1

: a mark that shows the height to which water has risen

2

: a mark (as the maker's name or trademark) made in paper during manufacture and visible when the paper is held up to the light

watermark

2 of 2 verb

: to mark with a watermark